Philly Pumps Stimulus Money Into Job Training

Nearly $3 million will help train workers and people on the hunt for jobs

By JONIDA SHEGANI

Updated 4:30 PM EST, Thu, Jul 2, 2009

Print Email Share TWITTER FACEBOOK

Getty Images

Philadelphia's using nearly $3 million in federal stimulus money to train workers in programs connected to high-growth industries in the city.

Mayor Michael Nutter and the Philadelphia Workforce Investment announced Wednesday the $ 2.9 million will go towards 631 job-training slots.

“This new funding is being used quickly and strategically to meet the needs of our workforce and our businesses,” said Nutter. “It will be distributed across a variety of growing industries to help strengthen our economy. And, many individuals who enroll in these training programs will be able to receive college credits or certification,” he said.

The agencies that will receive most of the funds are tied to energy, business, financial services, education and health care. The goal of the training programs is to give unemployed people the skills they need to start working again, according to the Metro.

”It’s not enough to give people skills for the job today, but we need to train folks for the jobs of the future,” said Nutter.

If you live in the city, you can access and apply for the programs through the five CareerLink Centers in the city. Community College of Philadelphia, called “My Career Now”, administers the skills training. Some of the training programs will translate into college credits for students working on a degree, according to the Metro.

“The selected training programs are a great first step toward getting our residents re-connected to the workforce,” said Chairman of the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, Roosevelt Hairston. “Several of these programs link workforce training and academic credit, which helps further Mayor Nutter’s goals of preparing people for lifetime employment,” he said.

Officials hope offering college credits will encourage residents without college degrees to return and further their education and get back to the work force, said the Metro.