Source:  PRESS RELEASE, 9/23/20

Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina to discuss the economic recovery during the coronavirus pandemic. Secretary Scalia toured Machine Specialties, Inc. and met with company leadership, employees, and apprentices to discuss economic recovery and building a stronger workforce through apprenticeships. Additionally, Secretary Scalia participated in a roundtable discussion with local business and community leaders to highlight safely reopening businesses and workforce development efforts in North Carolina. 

Earlier in the day, the Department announced the next step in expanding apprenticeships by recognizing the first group of Standards Recognition Entities, which will oversee the development of high-quality Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs.

“I was pleased to visit Machine Specialties today to learn how their apprenticeship program is equipping workers with skills that lead to good-paying jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Apprenticeships play a key role in helping Americans get back to work. The announcement this morning of the first Standards Recognition Entities recognized by the Department marks an important milestone in the expansion of apprenticeships to new industries. The President’s actions to expand apprenticeships, cut taxes, knock down unnecessary regulatory barriers, and implement strong trade agreements like the USMCA are powering our economy out of the pandemic and into a strong recovery.”

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.