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John Ratzenberger is bringing attention to the lack to skilled manufacturing workers in the woodworking industry by urging Americans to sign the 10 by 20 Pledge for America: To Train 10 Million Skilled Workers by 2020.
The pledge aims to train 10 million skilled workers because this is the amount by which the manufacturing sector will fall short in 2020, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Ratzenberger urges Americans to sign the pledge and encourage young people to consider options for careers in the skilled trades. Ratzenberger also wants companies to reach out to schools and community organizations to show young people the benefits of manufacturing jobs and opportunities for skills training.
Ratzenberg calls for retired Americans to volunteer time to mentor young adults and aid in career transitions so that valuable skills are passed down. Ratzenberger's campaign also aims to promote training manufacturing workers by featuring positive stories about skills training, and wants the public to send information to Center for America about model programs and success stories to post online.
Through this national media campaign, Ratzenberger hopes to gain support of the American public and begin a dialog about the importance of skilled manufacturing workers. For more information or to sign the 10 by 20 Pledge for America, visit www.centerforamerica.org.