CET Family and Friends:
I love CET because it is such an organic organization. There is always something new, exciting and unexpected happening. Last Monday, July 23, U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis graced us with her visit to our San Jose center. She met around a table with board members and management. She shared her care and concerns for U.S. workers, especially those who have lost their jobs. She is hopeful that the job market will continue to grow and prosper. She visited and talked with students in the Medical, Electrical and Culinary Arts. Her casual conversation with them made it easy for the students to share with the Secretary their dreams and their hopes to find a job following their CET training. She heard from CET Alumni about their triumphs over unemployment, their successful training, and their current jobs.
During a short press event following the tour, Solis said, “Employment credentials are not a luxury in 2012 — they’re a necessity. We have to do more to help Americans access the specific training that local employers look for.” Since I’ve been with CET, this has always been our goal: train for the job. When a student comes through our door, she or he is looking to move forward in life. Today’s workplace is not the same as it was 40 or even 20 years ago. This is exactly why CET offers additional credentials such as preparation for testing in our construction and building maintenance classes.
The Secretary was truly engaged by CET’s students. She mentioned she was really enjoying her visit and wished she could stay longer. We are all proud of our students and staff. Secretary Solis is a first-generation American and the first in her family to go to college. Her career exemplifies how hard work, dedication and education changes your life.
DOL Secretary Solis with Culinary Arts
It is always a great day when the news of CET is shared with everyone. Our year has started out very well. At the beginning of the month we launched this new site, hence our first blog post, and before the month is even over, CET received this honored guest.
CET Staff with DOL Assistant Secretary
On Friday, July 20, Assistant Secretary for Veterans Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Junior Ortiz, had visited the CET Center in San Diego. He met with CET student Veterans, organizations serving Veterans and CET staff and management. Secretary Ortiz established a great rapport with Veterans by sharing with them his personal life and journey to his current position. All broke bread together and left with a sense of familiarity.
We hope you check our blog often to read about the wonderful work, the incredible people, and the accomplishments of CET’ students, staff, alumni and partners.
Our students give us joy with their presence and they challenge us with their switchbacks. They come to CET in search of learning a skill, and they find in our staff friendship, support, care and trust. We are proud of our students! We are proud of our staff!
Sincerely,
Hermelinda Sapien
President/CEO