After years of simply offering updates to our Web site, Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board initiated a major re-design of our site. Launched to the public on July 6, 2009, the new site has visual appeal, better navigational flow and is more user-friendly over all.

Visit the site at: http://www.trwib.org and take a moment to review the content and feel free to submit any feedback using the question/comment form on the site.

Some highlights of the new Web site include: key labor market indicator, newsletter sign-up link, downloadable presentations and reports from TRWIB's vast research library, and information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and news and events.

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has announced its initial plans for awarding "green job training" funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Recovery Act provides $750 million for a program of competitive grants for worker training and placement in high growth and emerging industries. Of the $750 million allotted for competitive grants, the Recovery Act designates $500 million for projects that prepare workers for careers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors.

Notice of all Federal solicitations is posted in the Federal Register and at http://www.grants.gov and DOL-specific information is also available at http://www.doleta.gov/grants (click on "Find Grants"). Additional information on funding available through the Recovery Act is on the Web at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery.

Through the Employers and Educators Engaged in Excellence (E4) program, TRWIB is implementing innovative strategies for career education. The Educator-in-the-Workplace program has educators spend three days in the worksite of their choice, gaining valuable knowledge that will culminate into new and exciting lesson plans. In 2008-2009 eight schools participated including: Chartiers Valley, Cornell, Elizabeth Forward, Hampton, Montour, Moon, West Allegheny and Woodland Hills.

Employers that welcomed the educators varied from health care to non-profits and included: Magee-Women's Hospital of UPMC, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Brayman Construction, Eastman Chemical Company, Equitable Resources, UPMC St. Margaret, Pittsburgh Pirates, PA Career Link Allegheny East, and Mascaro Construction Company.

For more information on Educator-in-the-Workplace, please contact Sean Farr at sfarr@trwib.org.

TRWIB convenes a group of workforce development professionals, college and university administrators, high school principals and superintendents, and community-based organization leaders who are addressing the issue of students reaching post-secondary education and training without the requisite academic and soft skills to be successful. This collaboration is working to identify a holistic approach to tackle these remediation issues. The group is currently considering a pilot of the 21st Century Skills Framework (http://www.21stcenturyskills.org), which addresses the specific academic content, skills, student outcomes and support systems that are necessary for individuals to be successful in today's workforce.

For more information or to become a part of this pilot, please contact Audrey Bode at abode@trwib.org or 412-552-7098.

The Health Care and Social Assistance industry is growing and represents a significant economic force for the region. It also raises the question of available talent and possible shortages.

TRWIB recently published a report summarizing the industry's key labor market indicators on economic performance, talent development and career opportunities. It also highlights the most pressing needs of regional employers and offers some of the best practices initiated at the local and state level.

For more information on the health care and social assistance industry and/or to find out about career opportunities or other regional re-sources, visit: http://www.trwib.org/documents/HealthcarePublication.pdf