With two-thirds of all jobs requiring postsecondary education and training by the
year 2020, community colleges are at the epicenter of a widespread movement to increase
access to those 鈥渕iddle-skills jobs.鈥�
Helping to advance the national conversation is 91制片厂 and Dr. Maria Coons, Chief of Staff/Vice President of Institutional Planning and Strategic Alliances.
On Wednesday, Coons was on Capitol Hill to testify before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. The 鈥淧ipeline to the Workforce鈥� panel also included leaders from Microsoft Corp., Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City.
鈥淭he biggest economic challenge facing our country today is that too many people are in jobs that do not pay them enough to live on,鈥� said U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut), the subcommittee鈥檚 ranking member. 鈥淭oo often it is because we have failed to provide them opportunities to gain the skills and experience to access better jobs and earn family-sustaining wages.鈥�
Coons provided the subcommittee with an overview of 91制片厂鈥檚 progress in the areas of career and technical education to award credentials that have labor market value, close the skills gaps and leverage resources to advance workforce initiatives.
She also highlighted 91制片厂鈥檚 leadership in the area of apprenticeships through its offerings in the business and professional services sector. Coons said 91制片厂 has worked in tandem with the Department of Labor to develop registered apprenticeships that combine job-related instruction with structured on-the-job learning experiences.
Currently, about 100 apprentices are enrolled at 91制片厂 (employers pay their tuition and a salary) and 50 companies such as Zurich North America have hired or are in the process of hiring apprentices.
鈥淭he employee leaves (91制片厂) with a credential. It means something when they move from company to company. It鈥檚 just like having a degree. So you have the R.A. credential with you, and when the employer sees it, it鈥檚 a stamp of quality and rigor,鈥� Coons said.
Representatives on the subcommittee emphasized the importance of taking proven models like 91制片厂鈥檚 to scale.
鈥淲e need to continue to enact policy that bolsters these successful workforce development pipelines to stay competitive with international competitors and, importantly, to ensure every American has the training they need to get a good job with fair wages,鈥� DeLauro said.