In response to the tight high technology labor market in general, and the market for engineers and computer scientists in particular, IEEE-USA's Workforce Committee is developing a $3 million proposal for an H-1B Technical Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DoL). Your help will be critical to our success on this grant effort.

The purpose of the grant will be to enable IEEE and other interested parties to:

• Identify high-priority training needs of entry-level, mid-career and older engineers and their employers

• Organize an effective, industry-driven instructional partnership involving public- and private-sector employers, including small and mid-sized businesses, educational institutions and commercial training providers

• Offer continuing education and technical skills training for engineers and computer scientists in a major metropolitan area where current and projected demand for such professionals is high

To be sure this initiative is effective and complies with DoL procurement requirements, IEEE-USA will partner with other national professional societies and trade associations and with local employers, educational institutions and training providers, government agencies and high technology councils to develop an appropriate grant application and to administer any funds that may be awarded.

If IEEE-USA receives this grant, IEEE members and others will be able to receive training from a variety of selected technical certification training providers at up to half the regular cost to help improve their technical expertise and marketability.

We Need Your Help

This is the first time the Workforce Committee has pursued a venture of this magnitude. You can help us understand member needs better by answering the following questions:

1. What kind of technical certification training would allow you to
   increase your earnings, retain your current job, or be hired into a higher-paying job?

2. With which training providers should IEEE-USA partner to bring technical certification training to IEEE members?

For more information about this grant proposal, please visit the committee's web page at www.ieeeusa.org/committees/WFC/index.html. Refer to Priority Issues/Metro Washington Technical Learning Connection.