AVC GETS NEW GRANT FOR TRAINING.

Byline: Daily News

LANCASTER - Antelope Valley College will continue to provide training for workers at local aerospace companies in the Antelope Valley thanks to a $750,044 grant from the state Employment and Training Panel.

The college has helped to secure more than $4 million in state and federal grants to provide skills training for existing or potential employees at local aerospace plants. The latest award will extend training opportunities to approximately 400 people through 2005.

According to Stephen Contreras, director of corporate and community education for the college, it is difficult for companies to provide training for employees during an economic recession while facing budget cuts.

``In actuality we're making a product cheaper and saving costs,'' said Contreras of local industry. ``If we can help them with their bottom line, it's all the better.''

Contreras has been instrumental in securing a $2.8 million training grant from the federal Department of Labor, in addition to the latest state grant. The federal grant has the distinction of being the only federal program in California training workers who already have jobs, according to Contreras.

Through the programs, employers are able to identify what training they need for their workers. Curriculum is developed and instructors identified to deliver the training on site at Palmdale's Air Force Plant 42 and elsewhere.

Hands-on training has included working with composite materials, blueprint reading and learning computer software programs.

Among the beneficiaries have been such entities as Lockheed Martin, Crissair, Fiberset, British Aerospace Systems, Boeing, Plant 42, Edwards Air Force Base and Northrop Grumman.

``It's been real beneficial because we've been able to help facilitate training for some of our employees,'' said Joe Miani, a human-resources specialist for Boeing.

One example of how Boeing has been helped is with cutting-edge training in laser trackers used to set a tool in the manufacturing of aircraft bodies, said Miani.

The laser tracker allows for a much faster setup than was previously possible while also reducing the margin of error.

``It's allowed us to utilize the people who operate the machine and sell the site services (to other contractors),'' said Miani. ``It makes us a lot more versatile.''

Boeing had trained 239 people in its Southern California work force through the program as of February, including 116 workers in the Antelope Valley, according to Miani.

``Steve and his people have been very good to us and very receptive,'' said Miani. ``It's been a good experience.''

Employers seeking information on customized training programs for business and industry can contact Antelope Valley College Corporate and Community Education at [phone].