Release Date: Jan 25, 2007Contact: 888-249-NEWS
Improved Education System Critical to U.S. Global Competitiveness, Meeting Workforce Needs
WASHINGTON, DC-In a speech today before the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President and Counselor to the President Arthur Rothkopf said an improved education system was vital to ensuring America's global competitiveness and that today's students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow:
"The young people of today will not be successful in tomorrow's job market with the educational training of their parents. They will require far more technical skills and will be required to enter the workforce at least with competency in reading, writing, communication, math, science, computer skills, and problem solving. We are competing with countries all over the globe and our workers must have competitive skills. There are many jobs in our economy at all levels that cannot be filled now because applicants do not have the requisite skills. Education is the only way in which our workers will be able to earn a good living and in which the U.S. can remain competitive worldwide.
"The retirement of 77 million baby boomers over the next few years will exacerbate the crisis-they are the most highly educated segment of our workforce and they will be leaving it. The challenge is great in all areas but greatest in technical areas and in the defense industry.
This is why the U.S. Chamber has made education and workforce one of our top priorities for the coming years. We have a need for highly trained human capital in order to be able to compete internationally. India and China are not standing still-they are turning out engineers and technical graduates at a per capita rate far higher than the United States. In order for our young people to enjoy the American dream, they must receive a first-class education that extends to college."
The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
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07-22
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