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HomeNewsArchivesLabor Department Needs to Become a Resource for Skilled Labor, Official Says

Labor Department Needs to Become a Resource for Skilled Labor, Official Says

March 29, 2007 — Acting Labor Commissioner Albert Bryan Jr. spoke Thursday to the Rotary Club of St. Croix in an effort he called "building new bridges of support for business." The meeting, held at Gertrude's Restaurant, was attended by almost 50 members and guests.
Liz Goggins, Rotary president-elect, humorously introduced Bryan by saying, "He was kidnapped by pirates, sailed around the world and was educated around the world."
Bryan continued in that mood saying, "Please excuse my appearance, my wife said I needed to wear a suit." He also said, "I enjoy speaking to Rotary Clubs because I can speak off the cuff, although I do have a prepared speech."
According to Bryan, the Department of Labor traditionally elicits fear in people. The only department that's worse, he said, is the IRS.
However, he added that he and his staff will be working to change that impression.
He went on to tell the Rotarians, many who are employers, that their most important resource is their manpower and that the Department of Labor is a free way to recruit people; there is no need to hire expensive headhunters.
He balanced that statement by saying the people in the Department of Labor need to be cognizant of employers' needs — a goal, he acknowledged, that is not currently being met.
He said, "We really have to address this and make sure we find the people with the right qualifications for the job."
One audience member said, "Job referrals are a real problem. We don't want 60 referrals who don't have the qualifications we are looking for." Bryan answered, "A quick fix could be a supervisor reviewing all referrals."
He continued, "Another way to bridge the gap is the investment of the government to help workforce graduates. Once children graduate they belong to the Department of Labor. A career begins when a job begins. We have to get workers from the entry-level tiers to the second level. We must develop career-driven visions, give support and confidence to job seekers. The department is not a resource for highly skilled labor and we need to change that, too."
Bryan said, "One of my pet projects is Youth Net, which has the support of Gov. John DeJongh, where we will create a network. When they drop out we get them back into the system. We have to reach out and be proactive."
One audience member stated, "Why wait until they drop out? You need to get to them earlier."
Bryan answered, "Our summer youth programs should be year round and not just be soft skill work. It must be meaningful work experiences, not just go and get me a hot dog kind of work, no more errand boys."
Bryan concluded, "The Department of Labor needs to take an aggressive role."
The acting commissioner spoke for almost half an hour and was asked to stay to answer questions, which he agreed to do.
Barry DeArmond, who came specifically to hear Bryan, said, "The commissioner has a very ambitious plan. I certainly hope he can get the help of the administration."
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