MATC’s School of Technology and Applied Sciences had an information session in the T-Building Auditorium on March 10. Christine Woda, coordinator; Elan Namath, senior specialist; and John Lopez, student services specialist, spoke to prospective students on the details of both the Machine Tooling and Welding training programs; furthermore, they gave details on the TAACCCT Federal Grant, the future entry-level career opportunities and placement in these fields.
A multimedia presentation gave students an overview of what engine lathe and milling operations are.
This program is an excellent opportunity for people with no skills in these areas to become trained at little expense to them. Due to the shortage of these skills in the workforce, the Department of Labor TAACCCT grants were created.
According to the United States Department of Labor website, in 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act amended the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant program. On March 30, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, which included $2 billion over four years to fund the TAACCCT program.
TAACCCT provides community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher education with funds to expand and improve their ability to deliver education and career training programs that can be completed in two years or less, are suited for workers who are eligible for training under the TAA for Workers program, and prepare program participants for employment in high-wage, high-skill occupations.
Through these multi-year grants, the Department of Labor is helping to ensure that higher education institutions are helping adults acquire the skills, degrees, and credentials needed for high-wage, high-skill employment, while also meeting the employers’ needs for skilled workers. The department is implementing the TAACCCT program in partnership with the Department of Education.