[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 96 (Friday, July 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WOMEN IN SKILLED TRADES PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 1998

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the Women In Skilled Trades (WIST) program, which is based in 
Oakland, California, on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary. Since its 
inception, this outstanding program has trained over 300 women for 
well-paying jobs in the construction industry.
  WIST was established in 1988 by the Oakland Private Industry Council 
in order to provide economically disadvantaged women, displaced 
homemakers, and dislocated workers with high quality pre-apprenticeship 
training. The program offers an excellent solution for women seeking to 
achieve economic self-sufficiency and to serve as role models for their 
children. The pool of well-trained, motivated workers that graduate 
from the program is a benefit both to area employers as well to our 
community.
  The WIST program is a nationally acclaimed model for nontraditional 
training programs, with a comprehensive training curriculum and 
dedicated instructors and staff. It is also an outstanding example of 
how a partnership of public, private, and non-profit entities can work 
together to affect positive change in the lives of women and their 
families.
  On Monday, July 20, 1998, the Women in Skilled Trades program will be 
celebrating its anniversary in Oakland, California. I hope my 
colleagues will join me in recognizing the achievements of this 
organization. I would also like to commend the many women who have 
graduated from the WIST program. I look forward to ten more years of 
progress!

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