Georgia Department of Labor
Suite 642 148 International Boulevard N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1751 (404)656-3032

January 12, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATE LABOR DEPARTMENT TO MAKE $2 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR

WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT

ATLANTA -- State Labor Commissioner David Poythress said today the Georgia Department of Labor has received a work force development grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and will make $2 million available for a "onestop" service network for Georgians seeking to improve their skills, find a job, learn a new trade or embark on a new career.

"There is a growing need to have a high quality, trained and skilled work force with growing emphasis on welfare reform," Poythress said. "And, we are committed to making work force development information and services more readily available at the local level. This grant will allow us to do an even better job of that."

The grant is another step in a process by three state departments -- Labor (GDL), Human Resources (DHR) and Technical and Adult Education (DTAE) -- to coordinate their efforts on education, employment services and job skills training.

During the next 18 months, the labor department will make as much as $167,000 available for integrated work force development strategies to each of 12 collaborative regions throughout the state. To receive the funds, local officials will prepare grant proposals, which will be approved by the labor department. "We'll make the money available as quickly as possible," said Poythress. "We are pleased to provide funds to further develop the good, cooperative work being done locally."

Information on the work force development initiatives will be available soon on the Georgia Department of Labor's home page at www.dol.state.ga.us

NEWS MEDIA NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 656-3032.

E-mail: communications@dol.state.ga.us.

FY-98-291

An Equal Opportunity Employer