Meadville – Republican candidate for governor Tom Corbett today spoke about the importance of matching workers in Pennsylvania with the right set of skills to increase their job opportunities. Corbett toured Precision Manufacturing Institute and saw firsthand how people are being trained for industrial jobs so they can stay here in Pennsylvania rather than looking for jobs outside of the state.
“Most often, it is the availability of skilled workers that becomes the deciding factor in the location and growth of industry,” said Corbett. “If Pennsylvania is to reclaim its place as a leader in our global economy, we must do a better job of preparing our workforce for the careers of the future.”
While touring the facility, Tom Corbett learned how people who are unemployed or underemployed are trained to become welders, machinists and industrial automation and robotics technicians.
Job creation and putting Pennsylvanians back to work are a top priority for Corbett. Today’s tour shows how workers can be trained to meet the demand for specialized jobs across Pennsylvania.
“Too many people are being forced to leave Pennsylvania to look for jobs. This institute has the right approach to fixing that problem,” said Corbett. “It is providing specialized training in fields that are always looking for workers. After getting their training here, they have a skill for life.”
As governor, Tom Corbett will work to align education with opportunity. He feels it is time to identify the jobs that are available in Pennsylvania and prepare our workforce to fill the need. Not all good-paying jobs require an undergraduate or graduate degree. With so many resources in Pennsylvania, the opportunities are there for a variety of skill sets.
“The needs of industry are constantly changing. We must make post-secondary and continuing education programs available,” said Corbett. “We must change the perception that everyone must go to a four-year college, when technical training and trade schools are better matched to some high school graduates.”
Tom Corbett will also work with the Department of Education and guidance counselors from across the state to develop a program to actively recruit high school students into career paths that have been identified as a priority in Pennsylvania.
As Governor, Tom Corbett will also facilitate communication between the education and business communities. That includes workforce investment boards (WIBs), to maximize the availability of skilled workers to make sure people are earning a family sustaining wage.
Tom Corbett’s detailed Economic Development and Jobs plan, including his plan for Developing a Worldclass Workforce is available online. For additional information about Tom Corbett and his vision for Pennsylvania, visit www.tomcorbettforgovernor.com.
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