ETA News Release: [Sunday, Dec. 05, 2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post or Public Affairs
Phone Number: 202-693-3984 or 202-693-4676
U.S. Labor Department Highlights Career Opportunities in Skilled Trades At Rams-49ers Game
Event highlights the "Skills to Build America's Future" Initiative
ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- The U.S. Labor Department today honored the hardworking men and women who build America during festivities before the St. Louis Rams-San Francisco 49ers game at the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center in St. Louis. Today's activities also promoted careers within the skilled trades as part of the "Skills to Build America's Future" Initiative.
"Skilled workers are in great demand as the baby boom generation moves into retirement, and today's event helps create awareness of the career opportunities available within the skilled trades," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "These jobs provide good pay and the potential for economic independence while providing workers with the pride that comes from being part of the development and advancement of our nation and its economy."
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.
Today's pre-game activities provided fans the opportunity to visit a Skilled Trades Tent at Baer Park where they could learn more about careers in the skilled trades. Visitors to the Skilled Trades Tent also were able to pick up a St. Louis Rams hat and get a signed autograph from former Rams player and Super Bowl hero Mike Jones. A raffle was also held for a chance to win a football autographed by Rams star Orlando Pace.
DeRocco said, "Encouraging young people to consider these jobs as future careers is the best way to ensure a pipeline of skilled workers to meet employer demand. The next generation of skilled trades workers will lead America's structural and economic progress as this industry carries its proud tradition of building our country into the 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.
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