Federal Aid Rises for Training Centers

U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich has announced that the Clinton Administration will increase funding for displaced workers in California from $59 million to $158 million, which will go toward facilities such as the Glendale Community College’s adult training center.

The increase did not come as surprise for center officials, who heard the news first-hand Wednesday afternoon as Reich used their operation as a backdrop for the announcement. But the increase was significantly larger than anticipated.

On Wednesday, Reich and gubernatorial candidate Kathleen Brown met with a small roomful of job recruiters, students, staff and graduates of the center, located at 1122 E. Garfield Ave.

The cabinet official hailed the site as one of the most advanced facilities for displaced workers in the country, offering a variety of classes, state-of-the-art computers and low registration fees.

Now, all we need is a governor who’s really our partner,” he said.

Brown, state treasurer and the Democratic nominee for governor, used the visit as an opportunity to show concern for displaced workers in an uncertain job market, and to highlight the role she played in opening the center with state funds.

The Glendale center serves 600 to 800 students over the age of 18 who study English and office skills, among other things. Many are unemployed or thinking about switching jobs. Center officials boast of an 85 to 90% job placement rate.