Contact:
Dottie Miller (401) 462-8727
Workforce Partnership of Greater RI
March 23, 2006

WARWICK - At a kick-off breakfast meeting held today for the Yes-2-Work Summer Jobs Program, Governor Donald L. Carcieri spoke about the importance of private sector support in training the state's future workforce. The Governor and the Governor's Workforce Board - Rhode Island (GWB-RI) hosted the breakfast for more than 30 of the state's leading employers as well as members of local chambers of commerce.
"Business leaders are uniquely qualified to motivate young people about their particular industries and the education and skill sets that are required to succeed in those fields," Governor Carcieri said. "The Yes-2-Work Summer Jobs Program can play a role in matching our young people with employers to enhance their learning and create our future workforce."

This is the first year of the Yes-2-Work Summer Jobs Program, which is modeled after successful programs in Boston, New York City, and at Lifespan. The goal of the program is to recruit young people ages 16 to 19 to work with employers, who will provide them with training and mentoring opportunities.

GWB-RI Chairman Joseph MarcAurele said that this program provides benefits to both employers and teenagers. "This private-sector led summer employment program responds to corporate concerns about the skills of the future workforce," MarcAurele said. "GWB-RI develops policy that enriches our workforce, education, and economic development systems. This improves the skill base and, ultimately, increases economic development opportunities for all RI citizens and businesses."

"You deliver the jobs - we'll deliver the kids," quipped Executive Director Adelita S. Orefice. "These teens will return to school next fall understanding what skills they'll need to succeed in their chosen field and that they don't have to leave Rhode Island to find a challenging career."
Employers who may be interested in participating in the Yes-2-Work Summer Jobs Program are encouraged to contact Dottie Miller by phone at (401) 462-8727 or through e-mail at dmiller@dlt.state.ri.us.

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The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training offers a wide array of employment and training services to both the general public and to individuals with unusual barriers to employment. DLT is ready to assist any job seeker, whether the goal is a first job, a better job, or a career change. Rhode Island's work force is protected through the enforcement of labor laws, prevailing wage rates, and work place health and safety standards. Temporary income support is available to unemployed, sick, or injured workers and a comprehensive rehabilitation program is available to those injured on the job.DLT is dedicated to the growth and competitiveness of Rhode Island industry, administering a variety of training grants, tax credits, and apprenticeship programs to help employers. Economic indicators and labor market information are available for long-range planning. The Agency engages in active outreach, helping large and small employers retain their best workers or retrain their existing work force. At no cost to the employer, DLT will also screen job applicants, post job vacancies, and help businesses institute cost-sharing programs that can avert layoffs.For more information on the innovative programs and services available to all Rhode Islanders at the Department of Labor and Training, please call (401) 462-8000 or visit our web site at www.dlt.ri.gov

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
TDD (401) 462-8006