by Lisa Parks
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- The rising rate of unemployment is forcing many workers to acquire additional education to get work. Latino and African American day laborers are no exception. Non-profit CASA de Maryland is stepping in to help.
- Many of the workers previously toiled in construction, which has a nationwide unemployment rate of 19.2% (NewAmericaMedia.com 6.14.09).
- CASA works with Prince George’s Community College to help adult students get work training and certificates in specialized trades like electrical engineering, carpentry, plumbing and tile installation.
- Students attend Saturday training courses. 36 people, including three women, graduated in June 2009, a 70% increase over 2008.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- In times of economic crisis, employees seek more training to keep up with work demand. Education is a thriving industry despite the decline in others.
- Businesses that seek to fill the educational needs of day laborers will also thrive by creating more working consumers.
RESOURCES
