News Release

Printer-Friendly Version

ETA News Release: [07/11/2006]
Contact Name: Jim Schaefer or Deanne Amaden
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or (415) 828-6696
Release Number: 06-1181-SAN

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Addresses Attendees of 2006 Workforce Innovations Conference

ANAHEIM, Calif. — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today addressed attendees of the 2006 Workforce Innovations Conference. This year's conference theme, "Regional Strategies...Global Results: Talent Driving Prosperity," explores the important role of workforce professionals and their partners in meeting the national challenge of global competition. The secretary addressed the challenges of keeping the nation's workforce competitive in the worldwide economy, and the role the Department of Labor is playing in ensuring the nation's workers have the skills that are in demand in the rapidly changing economy.

"America is transitioning to a knowledge-based economy, creating millions of new jobs in industries that did not even exist a generation ago," said Secretary Chao. "Two-thirds of the estimated 18 million new jobs created in the next decade will be in occupations that require some advanced education. This can be a 4-year college degree, a 2-year degree from a community college or specialized training like an apprentice program. Completing some form of higher education is critical to building a solid, sustainable career path. That is why the American Competitiveness Initiative is at the heart of President Bush's economic agenda."

Unveiled during the State of the Union address, the American Competitiveness Initiative increases U.S. investments in research and development; strengthens math and science education; and encourages entrepreneurship and innovation. The secretary discussed components of the initiative including Career Advancement Accounts, and the president's Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) effort, both of which are designed to help Americans continue their education, providing opportunities to improve job skills and advance up the career ladder.

"The best way to help American workers remain competitive in the worldwide economy is to ensure that they have the skills that are in demand in America's rapidly changing economy," said Secretary Chao. "Our economy is one of the most vibrant of all industrialized nations, with 3.5 percent economic growth in 2005, 5.6 percent annualized growth in the 1st quarter of 2006 and 5.4 million net new jobs created in the last two and a half years. More Americans are working than ever before."

The Department of Labor is committed to helping all Americans contribute to the more efficient functioning of the U.S. labor market by providing high quality job training, employment, labor market information, and income maintenance services primarily through state and local workforce development systems. For more information about job training programs, WIRED, and employment opportunities, visit www.doleta.gov.