EMPLOYMENT LAW: DOL to grant $78 million for farm workers training

June 25, 2010

Los Angeles - US Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis has announced a $78,410,000 fund for skills enhancement and alternative job training for migrant and seasonal farm workers on Thursday in a meeting at Olvera Street.

The Department of Labor(DOL) will launch the National Farm worker Jobs Program in accordance to Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

The program aims to reduce the impact of underemployment and unemployment among farmers by opening opportunities for skills upgrade and alternative vocation.

Solis said she needs the cooperation of community-based groups and agricultural organizations in teaching new methods and techniques in farming as well as skills needed for new career options.

The program will include employment services such as job search assistance, on-the-job training, and basic education remediation. It will offer other services for health care and transportation.

Department of Labor will bestow grants for the 50 states.