Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 103 Part 3.djvu/1059

 PROCLAMATION 6044—OCT. 11, 1989 103 STAT. 3127 olence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to become more aware of the tragedy of domestic violence; to support and assist victims and those who are working to eliminate domestic violence in our land; and to participate in other appropriate efforts. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty- nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 6044 of October 11, 1989 National Job Skills Week, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The observance of National Job Skills Week, 1989, gives all Americans an opportunity to reflect on the changes taking place in our economy and work force. Today, the United States continues to hold a position of leadership in global economic affairs—with most Americans enjoy- ing a high standard of living, employment levels continuing to increase, and unemployment falling to the lowest levels in more than a decade. In large part, this leadership reflects the flexibility, creativity, and com- mitment to excellence among American workers and employers, as well as the quality of our educational and training institutions. However, the United States faces a serious challenge that must be dealt with immediately and directly. An increasingly competitive inter- national economy reqmres that our labor force have improved skills— skills necessary to adapt to technological advances in the workplace. At the same time, demographic changes are altering the composition of our labor force. Trends indicate that, diiring the next decade, fewer new yoimg workers will be entering the labor market, and the average age of the work force will rise significantly. Workers without adequate education or training will likely make up a larger share of the entrants into the work force. These trends underscore the importance of provid- ing retraining for older workers and employment opportunities for those Americans who, in the past, have not been able to compete in the labor market due to lack of education or occupational skills. We must reaffirm our conunitment to bringing disadvantaged and un- employed Americans into the labor market so that they, too, can expe- rience the rewards of productive employment and self-sufficiency. Such a commitment is not only a moral imperative, but also vital to main- taining our Nation's prosperity and economic growth. The centerpiece of the Federal Government's eflForts to meet this chal- lenge and commitment is the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Through the JTPA, private and governmental efforts are combined to provide needed training and assistance to individuals seeking private sector employment. The JTPA has been an extremely successful pro- gram, but it can be improved. Amendments under consideration would

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