Workforce Development

President Barack Obama couldn’t get a national version of Georgia’s popular on-the-job-training program for the unemployed through Congress, but local companies and other supporters of the idea hope a similar program will be created in Rhode Island this year. May 19

PROVIDENCE – Mayor Angel Taveras announced last week the city will begin accepting applications for its first fire academy in four years. The move is expected to save millions of dollars in overtime costs. May 19

PROVIDENCE – A bill that could simplify administration of the RI Works program and boost employment numbers in the state has passed the Senate. May 19

The New England Institute of Technology is now offering a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering technology, the school announced Thursday. May 18

Anthony Antosh was recently presented the 2012 Paul W. Crowley Award by the Rhode Island School Superintendents’ Association. The award is given annually to a Rhode Island citizen who has demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of education in the state. Antosh is a professor of special education and founding director of the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College. May 12

The city of Providence and the U.S. Small Business Administration have signed a two year memorandum of understanding with the purpose of growing jobs and businesses. May 8

Unemployment rates were lower year-over-year in March for 342 of the nation’s 372 metropolitan areas, including the Providence-Fall River-Warwick metro area, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 4

Rhode Island needs to focus its work force development plans on the state’s high schools instead of on higher education order to redefine its economy, a local educator said at Rhode Island College’s RI STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) “EmpoweRIng for the Future” Conference on Friday. May 4

The Department of Labor and Training is holding a free, three-part employer education series for Rhode Island businesses. May 2

Ten journalists from around the world landed fellowships to the Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting’s 14th annual science workshop for journalists. Apr 30