News
November 1, 2005
Contact: Governor’s Communications Office: 360-902-4136
Gov. Gregoire to discuss adult literacy programs with participants
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire will meet with adult literacy program participants to discuss their challenges and successes during a visit to Everett Community College Thursday as part of Adult Literacy Week. The governor will visit the college from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3.
“Our companies and those wishing to locate here need to know that Washington’s workers are well trained,” said Gov. Gregoire. “Because of quality adult basic education programs, we can provide skilled employees and offer our citizens the tools they need to succeed.”
During her visit, Gov. Gregoire will meet with several current students in adult literacy programs to hear how their education is preparing them for work. She will also meet with several local business leaders who have benefited by having their employees gain better skills through adult literacy programs at Everett Community College, Edmonds Community College and Snohomish County Literacy. Graduates of these adult literacy programs, who are now holding livable wage jobs, will also share their stories with the governor.
Currently one in six adults lack the education and training necessary to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
Washington state’s economy depends on its ability to have a highly skilled workforce. As the baby boomers are retiring at a rapid rate, the workforce will need to be filled with adults who currently need to upgrade their basic skills.
ABW Technologies Inc. in Arlington will share its partnership with Everett Community College, which provides English education and welding job training to students.
Providence Everett Medical Center will show how it hires graduates from Everett Community College’s Nursing Assistant Certified program, which combines nursing assistant training with English as a second language instruction.
National Transportation Driver Training Centers will feature Everett Community College students who are receiving truck-driving training along with English language instruction.
Molina Healthcare representatives will introduce the governor to current employees who graduated from Edmonds Community College’s vocational healthcare training program.
Verizon, the largest private sector supporter of adult literacy in the country, will be available to share its efforts that support adult literacy.
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