21st Century Workforce Summit

At the Summit on June 20, 2001, President Bush announced the establishment of DOL's Office of the 21st Century Workforce. He charged the Department with exploring ways that Federal agencies could use technology-related instruction to provide training opportunities for Americans.

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At the Summit, Secretary Chao called on DOL employees to work with her to provide new training opportunities to close the skills gap in the country. She emphasized that the way Americans work is changing. The Department needs to develop creative Government training programs to introduce information technology skills into the workforce and to increase employment opportunities.

"The economy is still producing thousands of service and technology jobs that go unfilled because there's a disconnect between the new jobs that are being created and the current skill level of many people in the workforce. Our economy is making a huge transition into high-skilled, information-based industries." Secretary Chao encouraged agencies to develop new and better ways to encourage potential workers to consider employment in technological fields and to develop innovative ways to help them acquire IT skills.

The Women's Bureau is working through several new, exciting programs to encourage women and girls to obtain these necessary skills. These initiatives are designed to help women balance their work and career goals with the other priorities in their lives. Women who acquire information technology skills will be better able to enhance their financial well being and improve their overall quality of life.

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For More Information About WB, Contact:
U.S. Department of Labor
Women's Bureau
200 Constitution Avenue, NW - Room S-3002
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone 1-800-827-5335 or (202) 693-6710
Fax (202) 693-6725