ETA News Release: [Monday, Oct. 18, 2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post or Ed Frank
Phone Number: 202-693-3984 or 202-693-4658
U.S. Labor Department Promotes Careers in Skilled Trades at the
Rams-Buccaneers Game
Event Highlights the "Skills to Build America's Future" Initiative
ST.LOUIS, Mo. -- The U.S. Labor Department today joined football fans in St. Louis to honor the hardworking men and women who build America. Festivities took place at the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center as part of the St. Louis Rams-Tampa Bay Buccaneers football game.
"Skilled workers are in demand now more than ever as the baby boom generation moves into retirement," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "These jobs offer workers the potential for economic independence as entrepreneurs and the opportunity to contribute to our nation's economic growth and national security in a good paying job."
The U.S. Department of Labor, together with the Skilled Trades Coalition and the St. Louis Rams, paid tribute to the nation's skilled trades workers as part of the "Skills to Build America's Future" Initiative before the game. The initiative is a nationwide outreach and education effort to attract the next generation of workers to the skilled trades.
Fans had the opportunity to visit a Skilled Trades Tent at Baer Park, where visitors could learn more about careers in the skilled trades, pick up a St. Louis Rams hat and join a raffle for a chance to win an autographed football by Rams star Isaac Bruce.
De Rocco said, "The best way to ensure a pipeline of workers to meet employer demand is to encourage young people and transitioning workers to consider these jobs as future careers. The new generation of skilled trades workers will build the structural and economic foundation of America and continue the proud traditions of this sector into 21st Century."
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.
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.
