Senate Creates JOBS Commission
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
On Tuesday, the Senate concurred with the House to establish the Joining Our Businesses and Schools (JOBS) Commission. The JOBS Commission will create a partnership between public schools, community colleges, and private businesses to ensure the proper educational curriculum is in place for students to maximize their employment potential upon graduation. In particular, the Commission will work with both public and private programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“This Commission will work to make sure students in North Carolina have the training and expertise to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow,” stated Senator A.B. Swindell, noting the bill’s primary sponsor, the late Senator Vernon Malone, understood the need for a forward-thinking education plan. “Senator Malone knew that we have to make sure our children have the tools to succeed in the future, and that’s what this commission does.”
The Commission, a coalition of twenty total members that are a combination of elected officials, appointed government officials and members of the private business sector, will study ways to increase economic development by linking together the education community with the business environment.
“We have to prepare our young people for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Senator David Hoyle. “Additionally, this Commission will identify the opportunities available within community colleges that can be used to train and retrain North Carolina workers. The partnership with the private business community will allow already trained individuals to quickly and more easily enter the workforce.”