The White House announced a proposed $8 billion program on Monday (Feb. 13) to help community colleges quickly train up to two million people for good-paying jobs in high-growth industries, such as health care, transportation and advanced manufacturing. The program would transform two-year colleges into community career centers. Funding would go to colleges and states to partner with businesses to train workers. The program would also help train entrepreneurs, and in partnership with participating businesses, provide student internships for real-life work experience. President Barack Obama’s proposal is part of his overall budget plan.
"El Paso Community College will definitely work with our community to ensure that we submit proposals addressing advanced manufacturing, such as renewable energy, micro-electronics, (and) automated assembly operations," said Yolanda Ahner, vice president of workforce/economic development and Continuing Education at EPCC.
College officials said transportation is a high-demand occupation in the region. Other regional high-demand jobs include licensed or certified welders, machinists, energy-efficiency specialists, and photo-voltaic specialists. EPCC also lists health care and information technology as current high-demand areas.
Comments (0)