Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

THE U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration has recognized Guam for the successful creation and implementation of its workforce database system.
At the request of the U.S. DOL, Guam Department of Labor officials will present the department’s data validation and fiscal analysis system today in San Francisco to state directors in the western region.
“We’re very proud of the men and women at the Guam Department of Labor. They continue to improve services, especially as we develop our workforce for the future. Once again, their efforts are being recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor,” Gov. Felix P. Camacho said in a statement.
Guam is one of the first jurisdictions in the nation to meet the U.S. DOL requirement of integrating workforce data for policy and programs.
Guam DOL’s workforce database saves the agency an estimated $850,000 initially in upgrades and $50,000 annually for maintenance.
Guam DOL director Maria Connelley, Agency for Human Resources Development acting director David Dell’Isolla and Workforce Investment Board member Peter Barcinas are also scheduled to meet with federal officials to update Guam’s five-year state plan for local workforce development and training.
The plan includes the development of a learning continuum model for high school students, programs for at-risk youth, and the development of formal apprenticeship training, all of which are in place today at Guam DOL.
Connelley and the Guam team will also be meeting with officials from the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment to discuss additional funding for workforce training and education grant opportunities as the island prepares for the anticipated military buildup.