Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis to visit Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 3 to highlight innovative community college training program Chattanooga State Community College received $3 million grant to establish Tennessee Valley Institute for Materials Joining and Training

ATLANTA – On Wednesday, Oct. 3, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis will tour Chattanooga State Community College to highlight U.S. Department of Labor investments that are improving training for careers in advanced materials joining. The tour will be followed by remarks and a press availability.

Chattanooga State Community College received a $3 million grant through the department’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College to Career Training initiative to establish the Tennessee Valley Institute for Materials Joining and Training. The institute will offer a continuum of training from entry-level certification, which can lead to a job within four to six months; additional credentialing; advanced certifications; or an associate or baccalaureate degree.

A total of 54 grants covering nearly 300 schools nationwide was announced Sept. 19. The grants will foster partnerships between community colleges and local employers to promote skills development and employment opportunities in fields such as advanced manufacturing, transportation and health care, as well as science, technology, engineering and math occupations. Additional information about the program, including a full list of grantees, is available at http://www.doleta.gov/taaccct.

WHO:		Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis Chattanooga State Community College President Dr. James L. Catanzaro
WHAT:		Tour of Chattanooga State Community College, remarks, press availability
WHERE:		Chattanooga State Community College Wacker Institute 4501 Amnicola Highway Chattanooga, Tenn. 37406
WHEN:		Wednesday, Oct. 3 Tour: 2 p.m. EDT Remarks and press availability: 2:40 p.m. EDT

Press interested in covering the event should notify Mike D’Aquino using the contact information above.