Introduction Transcript

Governor O'Malley: Please join me in embracing an exciting new initiative called Skills2Compete.  It enhances many of the progressive workforce development efforts already under way in our great State and focuses our resources on the skill-building that’s most needed right now to fill the jobs of today. Through Skills2Compete, Lt. Governor Brown and I encourage all of you to achieve at least two years of education and training past high school in order to increase your skills and opportunities for a rewarding career.

You know, seventy-seven percent of jobs projected to come to Maryland over the next few years will require some form of training beyond a high school diploma. This could take the form of a career or technical credential, industry certification, or a two- or four-year college degree.

Even in this tough economy, I hear every day from employers who are willing to expand, but can’t find the workers with the right set of skills and the right credentials to fill the job openings that are currently available.  Fields like information technology, healthcare and manufacturing are actually growing in our state, even in this tough economy.  We have to make the connection between the needs of our business community and the strengths of our workforce.  Our long-term prosperity depends on having a skilled workforce that can help Maryland business innovate, grow and create jobs.

Maryland has an outstanding network of schools, workforce programs, community colleges, apprenticeships and other resources that can help you build skills for 21st century jobs while increasing your earnings. We hope that you’ll take advantage of these opportunities and build a new foundation for the benefit of your families, for Maryland’s business community, and for our shared economic future.