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OPA News Release: [07/09/2002]
Contact Name: Sue
Hensley
Phone Number: 202-693-4676
Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Articulates Her Vision at Workforce
Innovation 2002 Conference In Nashville
To Deliver Keynote Address For
The Workforce Investment System
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao shared her vision
for a 21st century workforce Tuesday in Nashville, Tenn. where
hundreds of professionals who administer the nation's workforce investment
system are gathering for the Workforce Innovation 2002 conference. Chao
challenged them to develop a demand-driven system ready and able to respond
quickly and accurately to the needs of employers and workers.
"We need to help workers get relevant training that will land them real
jobs," said Chao. "We need to work with employers to identify the skills sets
they need in their employees and set up training programs with these employers
to help workers acquire these skills."
The workforce investment system plays a vital role in providing services
to help train and employ America's workforce. Resources for its various
components are made possible under the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
"The U.S. Department of Labor runs a wonderful network of over 1800
One-Stop Career Centers throughout the country," Chao said. "Our goal is for
these One-Stop Career Centers to be fully integrated, community-based job
referral systems for workers, employers and educators."
Through the use of exhibits and plenary sessions, the Workforce
Innovation 2002 conference will feature demonstrations of more than 100
technologies to super-charge productivity and outreach. Participants will
explore four major themes: Focus....on employer needs for a skilled
workforce; Imagine....future work and understanding the needs of a changing
workforce; Discover....a role in support of the legislative process; and
Integrate....technology to enhance learning and improve service.
The event will also feature success stories from One-Stop Career Centers
around the country that have consolidated services to help workers find good
jobs and provide employers with a reliable source of job-ready employees.
Conferees will consider strategies to make the One-Stop system more responsive
to employers and workers.
Workforce Innovation 2002 is cosponsored by the U.S. Department of
Labor's Employment and Training Administration and the National Association of
Workforce Boards in conjunction with various partners.
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