September 7, 2012                   
 
Contact:
Kevin Lawlor, 202-372-5524

APSCU Responds to August Jobs Report

Washington, D.C. – Former Congressman Steve Gunderson, the president and chief executive officer of the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU) today released the following statement in response to the unemployment figures issued this morning:
 
“While the two political parties will continue to debate the best strategies for economic growth and job creation, the August unemployment numbers continue to make clear the need for workforce skills that will lead to real jobs, and real incomes.

“In his speech to the DNC Tuesday night, President Bill Clinton highlighted the ‘more than 3 million jobs open and unfilled in America, mostly because the people who apply for then don’t have the skills required to do them.’
 
“Both parties recognize the problem, so let’s take action to solve it.  Private sector colleges and universities are giving students of all ages and backgrounds the skills and education needed to find jobs in growing industries.   Of the projected five fastest-growing occupations requiring associate’s degrees, private sector colleges and universities award 51% of those in Veterinary Technology, 33% of those in Cardiovascular Technology, 39% of those in Medical Sonography, 17% of those in Occupational Therapy Assistance and 12% of those in Dental Hygiene.  Private sector colleges and universities will play a role in getting the economy back on track if we can work with the President and the Congress to find ways to bring our students into the fold, instead of piling on burdensome regulation.”