ETA News Release: [December 12, 2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post or Public Affairs
Phone Number: 202-693-3984 or 202-693-4676
U.S. Labor Department Continues to Highlight Career Opportunities in Skilled Trades At Steelers - Jets Game
Event is Part of the Ongoing "Skills to Build America's Future" Initiative
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- The U.S. Labor Department today continued to honor the hardworking men and women who build America before the Pittsburgh Steelers-New York Jets game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The activities at yesterday's game helped promote careers within the skilled trades as part of the "Skills to Build America's Future" Initiative.
"The skilled trades provide the opportunity to earn a good income and become an expert in any number of areas that will always keep you in demand when employers are searching for dependable workers." said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "The Skills to Build America's Future initiative is a partnership among industry and worker representatives to build national awareness of the importance of skilled workers to our economy and nation."
The "Skills to Build America's Future" Initiative, launched by Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao on April 6, 2004, is a nationwide outreach and education effort to attract the next generation of workers to the skilled trades. As part of this effort, the Department of Labor and its partners in the initiative have led the way in honoring members of the skilled trades and promoting the career opportunities the industry offers during sporting events throughout the country. Partners in the initiative include the Construction Industry Round Table, the National Heavy & Highway Alliance and its seven affiliated international unions and the National Association of Home Builders.
Today's pre-game activities provided fans the opportunity to visit a Skilled Trades Tent on Art Rooney Avenue at General Robinson where they could learn more about careers in the skilled trades. Visitors to the Skilled Trades Tent were able to pick up brochures with details on the initiative, chat with workforce professionals from within the One Stop Career system and learn more about future "Skills to Build America's Future" events. Visitors also had the chance to get a signed autograph from former Steelers great Mike Wagner and enter a raffle for a chance to win a football autographed by Steelers star Antwaan Randle El.
DeRocco said, "Young people in this country represent the future of our economy, and the next generation of workers will need to have advanced skills as all industries increase their use of technology and innovative ideas. The skilled trades industries need workers equipped with the tools for success as the baby boomer generation retires and new challenges present themselves in the 21st century."
More information on the "Skills to Build America's Future" Initiative can be found at www.careervoyages.com. Individuals interested in accessing information or job training and career opportunities in their communities can also visit their local One-Stop Career Centers. To find the One-Stop nearest you, log on to www.servicelocator.org.
###
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202) 693-7755.
