Job training, support of 'critical importance,' U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado says

KINGSTON, N.Y. — U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado said it is of "critical importance" to make sure people are being trained to do the jobs that are available and to support them as they pursue their education.

Delgado, D-Rhinebeck, said the focus of his most recent in-district workweek was on workforce development and vocational skills training. He said February is Career and Technical Education Month, so he felt it was the perfect time to highlight the organizations and groups doing work in this space. As he went around the district, he met with business people who told him there is a gap in the skill sets of employees and a shortage in the needed workforce, Delgado said. 

"So making sure that people are being trained for the jobs that are available is of critical importance," Delgado said Wednesday during a phone call with reporters. 

Delgado said he visited SUNY Ulster in Stone Ridge to learn about the Green Careers Academy Program there, as well as Questar III BOCES in Hudson to tour its Educational Center. He said he also visited other educational centers and learned about their curriculums, speaking with administrators about the needs of the district and how the work he is doing in Washington, D.C., might help.