Optimus Template

Job Training

Millions of Americans work hard every day but struggle to support their families on low wages. Millions more have recently moved from welfare to work, but have been unable to escape poverty.  Altogether, according to the U.S. Labor Department, more than six million Americans are counted among the working poor.  Meanwhile, critical industries like health care and manufacturing have difficulty finding skilled labor.  Clearly there is a need for communities to improve the skills and competitiveness of the local workforce.   Providing improved job training and creating high wage or family-wage jobs should be reflected in local government economic development plans.  Local governments should seek to provide cooperative educational opportunities responsive to the changing needs of the work place both locally and regionally.  Through planning,  local communities can build a smart workforce that can essentially position that community to be a hub of certain skills.