Congress Must Strengthen and Improve Job Training, Witnesses Tell House Labor Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Now more than ever, the nation’s job training programs must be improved to give workers the skills and training they will need as the economy starts to recover, witnesses told the House Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness Subcommittee today. Today’s hearing was the second in a series of hearings the Education and Labor Committee is holding as it works toward reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act.
“Last week, the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to save or create 3.5 million jobs,” said U.S. Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, (D-TX), chair of the subcommittee. “Yet from our last hearing, we know that an estimated 80 – 90 million adults – about half of our workforce – lack the basic education and skills to qualify for the jobs that will be created. We won’t be able to bridge that gap unless we improve our nation’s job training and workforce development programs.”
President Obama’s economic recovery plan invests $5 billion in job training programs to help get Americans back to work. The Workforce Investment Act was enacted in 1998 to expand access to job training, job placement and professional development opportunities for workers. As witnesses explained today, the law expired in 2003, making it long overdue for updates that will address workers’ as the economy begins to rebound.
“Current economic conditions not withstanding, America’s supply of adequately skilled workers does not meet its demand,” said Kevin Smith, executive director, New York Literacy, Inc. “It is essential to consider what skills are available versus those needed to support and sustain national, state and local economic development strategies. As the nation succeeds in building an economic recovery, including job creation, the skills gap will impede progress.”
“With the unprecedented demands on workers for higher levels of education and new, cutting-edge skill sets, quick access to training and education is essential,” Sandi Vito, acting secretary, Pennsylvania, Department of Labor and Industry, agreed today. “Both employed and unemployed workers must have training opportunities throughout the span of their work life in order to get good jobs, advance in their careers and stay competitive.”
Several witnesses also discussed the need for improved coordination at the local, state, and national level to meet the growing need for a well-trained, 21st century American workforce.
“The Department’s work in partnership with the States has produced significant accomplishments and helped many learners achieve their education and employment goals” said Cheryl Keenan, the director of Division of Adult Education and Literacy. “Many challenges still exist, particularly in the job market, where the “bar” for literacy skills that are required for family-supporting employment is constantly being raised.”
To view all of the testimonies from today’s hearing, click here.
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