2008 Woodie Awards
College President Hosts First-Ever Business Breakfast
Sindy Diaz
Issue date: 10/13/04 Section: Life
In an effort to inform local employers of the many services that Citrus College has to offer, Citrus recently hosted its first-ever Business Breakfast.
"We want to get employers acquainted with the career training programs we can provide for them, that will benefit not only their businesses but the workforce as a whole," said Dr. Kim Holland, director of vocational education.
Two dozen local employers were in attendance Oct. 1 at the Ross L. Handy Campus Center when Dr. Michael J. Viera, superintendent/president of Citrus College, gave a presentation on the training of potential and existing employees, customized training and import-export possibilities.
In his presentation, Viera cited workforce demographics. He stated that 3.9 million jobs were cut in the years 2001-2003, but that from January to June 2004, 500,000 new jobs have been created.
"While we are cutting jobs, we have a responsibility to fill the shortage of skilled workers," Viera said.
Viera highlighted vocational programs at Citrus College, such as the transportation technology department, which happens to be one of the top three in the nation, he said.
The department includes programs in automotive technology, collision repair, diesel technology and motorcycle technology.
He also spoke about public services such as heating and air conditioning, public works and water technology.
By the year 2011 there will be a total of 168 million available jobs and 158 million available workers, but by 2020, there would be a shortage of 21 million skilled workers according to the Unites States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Viera said.
"That is why it is important to emphasize managerial and skilled professionals in the workforce," Viera said. "Training for employment will lead to a better workforce, which will lead to more productivity."
The goal is to advance California's economic growth and global competitiveness through education, training and services that contribute to continuous workforce improvement.
"We want to get employers acquainted with the career training programs we can provide for them, that will benefit not only their businesses but the workforce as a whole," said Dr. Kim Holland, director of vocational education.
Two dozen local employers were in attendance Oct. 1 at the Ross L. Handy Campus Center when Dr. Michael J. Viera, superintendent/president of Citrus College, gave a presentation on the training of potential and existing employees, customized training and import-export possibilities.
In his presentation, Viera cited workforce demographics. He stated that 3.9 million jobs were cut in the years 2001-2003, but that from January to June 2004, 500,000 new jobs have been created.
"While we are cutting jobs, we have a responsibility to fill the shortage of skilled workers," Viera said.
Viera highlighted vocational programs at Citrus College, such as the transportation technology department, which happens to be one of the top three in the nation, he said.
The department includes programs in automotive technology, collision repair, diesel technology and motorcycle technology.
He also spoke about public services such as heating and air conditioning, public works and water technology.
By the year 2011 there will be a total of 168 million available jobs and 158 million available workers, but by 2020, there would be a shortage of 21 million skilled workers according to the Unites States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Viera said.
"That is why it is important to emphasize managerial and skilled professionals in the workforce," Viera said. "Training for employment will lead to a better workforce, which will lead to more productivity."
The goal is to advance California's economic growth and global competitiveness through education, training and services that contribute to continuous workforce improvement.