We were delighted to be in attendance at our educational partner Manchester Community College’s discussion of secondary education with Vice President Joe Biden on 25 February 2015. The Vice President took questions from students, educators and businesses alike, and discussed his vision of how collaborations between the public and private sector are vital to training a world-class workforce in the 21st century.
Vice President Biden led by stating how the U.S. is poised for a resurgence in manufacturing jobs, with companies who have previously outsourced manufacturing to China overwhelmingly looking to ‘in-source’ jobs back to the U.S. in the near future. He noted how 31,500 new skilled welders would be needed by 2020.
Surrounded by students benefitting from the modern equipment and educational techniques used in Manchester Community College, the Vice President re-iterated his feelings that community colleges are “the best kept secret in America,” allowing students from all backgrounds to build the skills that put them in excellent positions.
Much of the time was opened up to students who shared how free community college education and access to modern training facilities had given them a future working in manufacturing, an opportunity that would not have been available without this support.
With our representatives in attendance, Manchester Community College stated that Intelitek has been very supportive of their programs, and that they maintain a good relationship with the company It was also noted that Intelitek is on the Manchester Community College’s advisory board, “helping to frame the right kind of resources and education” in regard to building the most skilled workforce in the area. Vice President Biden added that he was impressed and encouraged.
