WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded $2,493,616 to Eastern Gateway Community College for a new manufacturing center to train unemployed Ohioans for high-skill occupations. This program will serve workers in Ashtabula, Belmont, Carroll, Columbian, Geauga, Harrison, and Jefferson Counties who are eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) that helps workers who lost their jobs due to unfair foreign trade.

“The loss of a job can be a devastating experience,” Brown said.  “Ohioans who work hard and play by the rules should not be left to struggle when they lose their job through no fault of their own. This new funding will help Eastern Gateway Community College develop curriculum and hands-on training programs that prepare jobless workers for careers in the manufacturing field.”

TAA helps workers who lose their jobs or have their hours reduced as a result of unfair trade train for new employment. Through the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant program, DOL awards funds to community colleges to develop education and career training programs for eligible TAA workers. Qualified workers receive the training required for high-skill, high-wage jobs.

Brown was at Eastern Gateway Community College in June 2012 to visit a shale gas training center where he discussed efforts to help unemployed workers train for high-tech jobs in their region.

Brown has been working to create manufacturing jobs across Ohio. The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act (RAMI) – which passed the House of Representatives this month – would bring together industry, universities and community colleges, federal agencies, and all levels of government, to accelerate manufacturing innovation in technologies with commercial applications. RAMI would create thousands of high-paying, high-tech manufacturing jobs while enhancing the United States’ role as the world’s leader in advanced manufacturing.

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