Governor Corbett Visits Keystone Job Corps Center in Luzerne County, Stresses Importance of Workforce Training

DRUMS, Pa., Nov. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today toured the Keystone Job Corps Center in Luzerne County and spoke about the importance of education and training, in all forms, to help Pennsylvania's workers compete for today's -- and tomorrow's -- jobs.

The Keystone Job Corps Center is a federally-funded education and job training program for economically disadvantaged youth ages 16 to 24. The students at this center, one of four in the state, study construction, nursing and the culinary arts. 

"My administration's first, second and third priority is job creation. As we work tirelessly to bring new business and industry to our state, we need to ensure Pennsylvanians have the training they need to fill the jobs offered," said Corbett.  "As the job market evolves, so must the availability of worker training and retraining programs."

Gov. Corbett toured the center's campus, visiting with nursing and culinary arts students in their training facilities. He also had the opportunity to visit the new Welcome Center construction site, which is being built by the center's students.

"The readiness of our workforce is a major factor in a business' decision to locate here and hire our residents. That's why we must ensure Pennsylvanians have access to skills training, whether here at a Keystone Job Corps Center or another alternative job training opportunity," said Corbett.

Assisting people, especially the unemployed and disadvantaged, to transition into careers that pay stable wages and benefits is a priority of the Corbett administration. Pennsylvania's workforce development system is based in the 66 PA CareerLink centers which house representatives from various state and local agencies that supply job placement and job advancement services to residents. 

To learn more about the PA CareerLink system or find a location in your area, visit www.cwds.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Kelli Roberts, 717-425-1044 (cell)

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor