WASHINGTON, March 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $1.8 million in funds for up to six Women in Apprenticeship and Non-traditional Occupations grants.

"In the America of the 21st century, the role of women in the workplace should be defined by their training and abilities, not their gender," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These grants recognize that women can —and do — excel in a wide range of professions, from construction and manufacturing to science and engineering. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to helping all women gain the skills and on-the-job training that will lead to their long-term success, and I am pleased that today's announcement brings us closer to that goal."  

The grants, jointly administered by the department's Women's Bureau and its Employment and Training Administration's Office of Apprenticeship, will support preparatory apprenticeship opportunities for women entering the construction industry and other non-traditional sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, transportation and green jobs.  Grant funding also will support the training of Registered Apprenticeship sponsors, employers and labor unions to improve recruitment, selection and retention strategies for women in non-traditional occupations.

Eligible applicants include community-based organizations that form a consortium with at least one Registered Apprenticeship program sponsor in targeted industries.  Organizations must demonstrate their experience in either directly providing or securing job training services, and providing placement and support services to women.  Registered Apprenticeship programs will be responsible for placing women in employment through apprenticeship programs in the targeted industries.

The solicitation for grant applications is published in today's Federal Register.  Please refer to the notice for specific eligibility requirements, the closing dates for applications and other submission requirements.  It is available at http://www.doleta.gov/grants/pdf/SGA-DFA-PY-09-03.pdf.

For more information about Women's Bureau programs visit http://www.dol.gov/wb.  Visit http://www.doleta.gov to learn more about the range of Department of Labor employment and training programs and initiatives.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov.  The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request.  Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.  The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations.  For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor

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