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OPA News Release: [02/12/2002] Contact Name: Sue
Hensley
Labor Secretary Chao Speaks To America's Community College
Leaders
Praises Diverse, Cost-Effective and Flexible Ways to Train
America's Workers
WASHINGTON--U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao addressed a
conference of community college leaders today and praised the diverse,
cost-effective and flexible ways that community colleges train America's
workers.
“The simple fact is no one is doing better than you when it comes
to preparing workers for 21st century jobs,”
Chao said. “You understand better than anyone that the world of
work and the world of education are not worlds apart.”
Chao noted that during the current recession the primary focus of the
Department of Labor is getting America back to work. “What people
don’t realize is that the overwhelming majority of the Department of
Labor’s budget – 92 percent of it – is dedicated to getting
people back to work.”
Chao also applauded the efforts of America’s community colleges to
fill in gaps in skills training by meeting the demands of local economies and
staying ahead of trends in the job market. “Those of us who deal with
workforce trends and shortages know that community colleges are specializing in
the areas with the most demand for training.”
Chao complimented the affordability and flexibility that community
colleges offer for workers, providing classes at night or in the workplace. She
also praised the partnerships that community colleges develop with local
businesses. “Your partnerships with local businesses also mirror what we
try to achieve at the Department of
Labor – a working relationship where everyone wins: workers get
jobs and employers get new, skilled employees," Chao said.
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