Onorato Tours Health Care Job Training Center, Discusses Workforce Development

By ONORATO FOR GOVERNOR

PHILADELPHIA: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato toured the Breslin Learning Center today and addressed its students and faculty on his plan to boost jobs and focus on workforce development. On the tour, Onorato observed both youth and adult learners preparing for careers in the health care industry.

“I am the only candidate for Governor who has experience turning around a region and a plan for getting Pennsylvania’s economy back on track,” said Onorato, who has served for six years as Allegheny County Executive. “I know how to make our state more competitive for businesses and to ensure that our workforce is well-prepared for good-paying jobs with the skills that businesses need.”

Allegheny County’s unemployment rate is significantly lower than both the state’s and the nation’s. There are more people working in Allegheny County than in any other county in Pennsylvania, and under Onorato’s leadership the region has received accolades for its job growth, quality of life and ability to attract college graduates and families.

“One of the reasons that Allegheny County is doing so much better than the state and the nation is because we help workers adjust to the changing economy,” Onorato said. “We’re making it possible for people get back on their feet, while encouraging businesses to create jobs – and that is exactly what I will do as Governor.”

The Breslin Learning Center, run by District 1199C National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, trains thousands of community members each year in basic academics and health care trades. The center trains youths, many of whom have dropped out of high school, and puts them on the path to careers. It also serves adult learners who have struggled to join the workforce, helping them learn basic work skills and training them for jobs in health care industries.

As Allegheny County Executive, Onorato has aligned workforce development programs to meet the needs of businesses. As Governor, Onorato will work to encourage economic growth across Pennsylvania. His plan to grow the economy, which was released in January, will:

·      Establish a climate where businesses can succeed;
·      Launch a “Grow Your Own” success strategy to help firms start, expand and prosper;
·      Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation;
·      Boost export opportunities for Pennsylvania companies and attract foreign companies to the state; and
·      Ensure that Pennsylvania’s workforce is prepared for and able to access high-skill, well-paying jobs.

“I know how to work with community colleges and job training centers to get people ready for high-demand, good-paying jobs, because I’ve done it in Allegheny County,” Onorato said. “I’m ready for the economic challenges the next Governor will face.”

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