Politics & Government

Obama: America Must Strengthen Relationship Between Manufacturers, Community Colleges

President delivers fourth speech at Northern Virginia Community College.

President Barack Obama outlined a series of initiatives Wednesday designed to strengthen ties between America’s manufacturing sector and the country’s community colleges.

Obama spoke for about 20 minutes after touring automotive facilities at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria campus. Of the 100 people shoehorned into the small shop, about 20 were students – and most of them were part of the school’s automotive technology program.

“Lighting a spark: That’s what community colleges can do,” Obama said. “That’s what learning a new skill or training in a new field can do.”

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Much of what Obama talked about Wednesday was tied to the Skills for America’s Future initiative – including simplifying and streamlining manufacturing certification so that students learn skills that employers actually need, along with a broader aligning of curricula with the manufacturing sector’s needs.

“It’s difficult sometimes for the two to talk to each other. It’s easier to blame one another,” college president Robert Templin said in an interview. “Talking to one another, that’s what the National Association of Manufacturers is trying to do.”

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In April, Virginia had 230,600 manufacturing jobs statewide, just a fraction of a percent increase over that time last year, according to the most recent data from the state Employment Commission.

Production workers saw their average weekly wage decrease more than $36 to about $755 in that same time period.

Broadly, the president focused on the need for community colleges to offer students more than just a degree. Students need the skills to earn promotions, he said. Raises.

Obama framed his speech around rebuilding America’s middle class.

The new efforts should help Alexandria grow as part of the Northern Virginia region, Mayor Bill Euille told Patch. He noted that the city itself doesn't have much of a manufacturing presence, but it does have a jobs training program to help workers get jobs in the automotive industry.

Jaovad El Kadiri, a student in NVCC's automotive technology program, attended the speech and said he was thrilled to have the president of the United States recognize his program and school.

“Oh, my gosh, he’s awesome,” said Gabriela Guzman, 20, a student who works in the college’s Provost Office. “I love him. He’s such an amazing person. I shook his hand and almost cried.”

Aaron Carlson, a 28-year-old automotive student, said he appreciated the publicity the school would get from the president’s visit.

Jimmy Heo, 44, who graduated in May, said the speech and its subject matter were “very cool.”

“We need it,” Heo said. “We’re looking for jobs, they need skillful employees – It’s very good help for each other.”

Northern Virginia Community College participates in a certification program that will serve as a national model for Obama’s initiatives.

Obama has visited the school four times, twice going to the Alexandria campus.

Sharon McLoone and Beth Lawton contributed to this report.


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