Training capacity and availability of a skilled workforce are inherent challenges when facing job shortages resulting from a massive buildup. The need for skilled labor in the construction industry alone has created enormous challenges for Guam that require aggressive training recommendations and solutions to satisfy the demands. While the impact will primarily affect Guam’s workforce, a regional approach has emerged, as it is expected that neighboring island citizens will seek employment opportunities on Guam. To address these issues, the Guam Department of Labor has established working relationships with local, regional and national officials. On August 9, 1999, President Clinton established the Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) through Executive Order Memorandum. The Memorandum states that IGIA shall work with the Secretary of the Interior to identify issues concerning American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands (collectively, “insular areas”) and to make recommendations to the President concerning Federal Government policies and programs raising such issues. The last two meetings, the Chair of the Labor Subcommittee, Civilian Military Task Force has attended to address the many concerns facing workforce development on Guam and in the Region.

 

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