U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced $6.7 million in job training grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in 14 states. The grants will fund apprenticeships and training centers for underrepresented or disadvantaged people seeking careers in transportation, engineering or construction.

"Providing individuals with the job training skills they need is key to keeping our highway system up and running," said Secretary LaHood. "These training programs will help ensure that the American highway system has able stewards for years to come."

The "On-the Job Training Supportive Services" (OJT/SS) grants were included in ARRA to supplement federal training programs and to support the training programs of state departments of transportation for highway construction contractors, apprentices and trainees. The OJT/SS program encourages completion of training programs and promotes training opportunities for minorities and women in skilled and semi-skilled crafts.