(Claremont, NH) - Yesterday, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined business and education leaders and students at Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center (SRVRTC) to discuss the Workforce Development Investment Act of 2017. The bill, introduced by Congresswoman Kuster earlier this year, would create tax incentives to encourage companies and educators to train workers in the skills they need for the 21^st century economy.

“The 21^st century economy is continuing to change and evolve, and it is essential that we make sure workers are able to access training for the skills they need to pursue careers in the high-demand jobs of the future,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “This is exactly the mission of Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center, River Valley Community College and the employers here today. My legislation will help expand these types of training programs and encourage companies to train people for jobs right in their local communities. It’s a win for employers, win for workers, and a win for our economy.”  

Kuster was joined by Joel Schneid, Director/Administrator of Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center; Ali Rafieymehr, President of River Valley Community College; Dr. Deborah Schmitt, Vice President of Academic Affairs at River Valley Community College;  Elyse Crossman, Executive Director of the Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce; John Nicholas, Director of Federal Sales Operations at Red River Computers; and Dakota Aldridge, a student at Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center, among others.

“The key to the economic success of Sullivan county is an educated and skilled workforce,” said Joel Schneid, Director/Administrator of Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center. “Congresswoman Kuster’s sponsorship of the Workforce Development Investment Act will do much to help our students continue their education and training once they leave high school. It will help Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center strengthen our partnerships with local employers and help us to forge new ones. It will provide financial assistance to local employers who we can work more closely with to keep our curricula current, and provide internships, Co-ops, and job shadow experiences for our students. The proposed tax credits for employers will provide great incentives to make direct connections between school and work and help those who need to be retrained as well as those who have just graduated.

“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center,” Schneid continued. “We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve so many of the region's students, businesses and citizens. We look forward to continuing to do so while contributing to the economy of the region.”

The Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center, along with Stevens High School, prepares students with the technical, academic, and workplace readiness skills to begin employment or continue with post-secondary education. Students who complete programs receive industry-recognized credentials, advanced college placement or credits towards their Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. They attend classes in an environment that is similar to the workplace and build strong relationships with their instructors, which resemble a mentoring or coaching model. Local employers participate in the program advisory committees to ensure that students receive instruction in contemporary business and industry practices and develop skills in the technology and equipment that they would encounter on the job or in college. 

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