U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million to Support Workforce Development in Central California
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to Fresno City College, Fresno, California, to procure supplies and training equipment for the West Fresno Advanced Training Center.
This EDA investment will bolster Fresno City College’s ability to train and prepare students for good-paying jobs in welding and automotive repair. The EDA investment will be matched with $319,386 in local funds and is expected to create 324 jobs and generate $14.6 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“President Biden is committed to building a strong workforce that serves the needs of employers and employees throughout the United States,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support the West Fresno Advanced Training Center in filling a regional need for welders and automotive technicians while providing good-paying jobs for local residents.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support locally-driven strategies that are building a strong workforce in Central California,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will support workforce development in high-demand occupations, contributing to a stronger, more resilient regional economy.”
“This grant will expand valuable training for welding and automotive repair jobs in the Central Valley, preparing students for in-demand employment opportunities and strengthening the region’s economy,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “We are grateful to have the Biden Administration’s support in our work to ensure that communities across California build back stronger from the pandemic.”
“I applaud the EDA’s investment in the West Fresno Advanced Training Center at Fresno City College,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “This funding will support job training for hundreds of students in the Central Valley, preparing them for good-paying careers in welding and automotive repair.”
“Fresno City College has been a leader in developing a strong workforce in the automotive and repair industry,” said Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16). “This investment will meet today’s demand for a highly skilled workforce by enhancing automotive training, boosting electric vehicle (EV) technology, and creating good-paying jobs here in the San Joaquin Valley.”
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.