Stimulus money for job training in Philly

A city agency chose 19 training programs to receive the stimulus grants, and the training is expected to be available within the next few months.

$3 million dollars worth of new federal stimulus funds is meant to help Philadelphia residents take advantage of job-training programs in growth industries. A city agency chose 19 training programs to receive the stimulus grants, and the training is expected to be available within the next few months.

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[audio: 090701spstimulus.mp3]

More than 600 city residents will be able to gain skills in industries like construction, healthcare, social services and energy. One of the 19 programs chosen is Community College of Philadelphia, which got $360,000 dollars for a certificate program that includes medical billing, social service, and computer network administration.

Stephen Curtis is President of Community College.

Curtis: Losing a job can be one of the most difficult experiences any one can face. It can also be a time to explore new career plans or to enhance existing skill sets to obtain new employment. In tough economic times, education is the key.

The certificates earned by trainees can count toward college credit for an Associates Degree.

Part of the money will also be used toward training ex-offenders as telephone and cable installers.