Bob Barr: “as we in the Congress continue to grapple with the problem of making sure Americans have the skills they need to work…”

“as we in the Congress continue to grapple with the problem of making sure Americans have the skills they need to work productively in today's society, I am pleased to report that the school system in my district has found a successful way to approach this perennial problem without Federal mandates, without government interference, without tax increases, without national standards. The Paulding County School System in Georgia's Seventh District, under Superintendent Ray Parren and Apprenticeship Coordinator Nick Pedro, has developed a youth apprenticeship initiative that places high school students in meaningful work experiences during their junior and senior years. It provides them with a broad range of on-the-job experience with an employer of their choosing that is compatible with their career goals, even allowing them to begin college work while enrolled in high school. Mr. Speaker, my office is a proud participant in this program. Nichole Robinson and Julie Turner have greatly assisted our staff and acquired valuable work experience along the way. I encourage all schools to begin actively searching for ways to partner with local businesses and government agencies. By preparing students to compete in an increasingly specialized and complex economy, we can help ensure continued national economic growth, prosperity, and academic excellence.”