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| GVP Allen on a visit to the TCU/IAM Job Corp training facility in San Jose, California. From left, David Kollewe, Regional Coordinator, Wesley Fleming, San Marcos Lead Field Educational Rep., Michael Cohen, Field Educational Rep., LeAnn Chen, Field Educational Assistant, Erika Sarmiento, Lead Field Educational Rep., GVP Gary Allen, COS Bobby Martinez, Erin O'Malley-Minchell, Field Educational Rep., Joel Hernandez, Manager of Curriculum & Training. |
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| Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee Communications Specialist Lisa Van Dyke and GVP Gary Allen. |
Strengthening America through Strengthening Americans was the central theme at a Pacific Coast Metal Tool Expo and Conference. Many Machine Tool Vendors from across the Bay Area and the Country convened in Santa Clara, California for the 29th annual convention. One of the highlights of the event was keynote speech by Western Territory General Vice President Gary Allen about the negative impacts on our
country of Free Trade Agreements. Allen highlighted the need for bringing work back into this country, thereby providing a strong and secure manufacturing infrastructure for all Americans. He pointed out that the current unemployment rate wouldn’t be as severe if big corporations and greedy CEOs hadn’t shifted jobs to low-wage countries to make even more profits.
Allen’s call for more skills training in the eroding art of machine manufacturing for young people entering the workforce and other high-skilled programs got an enthusiastic response from the audience. Allen pointed to two innovative programs provided by TCU/IAM Job Corp training in San Jose, California and District 751’s innovative partnership with Aerospace Joint Apprentice Committee in Seattle, Washington as ways to provide needed training. Both programs had representatives staff displays at the conference. “We need to reach out to audiences far and wide about the ills of the current free trade agreements and the benefits of investing in the people of this country,” said Allen.
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| From left, TCU/IAM Lead Field Ed Representative Wesley R. Fleming, GVP Gary R. Allen and TCU/IAM Manager of Curriculum & Training Joel S. Hernanadez |
