Residents deserve to get the English training they need to get the jobs they want. But despite our efforts to increase classes and funding, the demand for English training continues to rise. Almost 2,500 residents want to enroll in literacy and English classes, but can t. The waiting lists are simply too long. With City dollars, and help from businesses and the community, we ll open up 400 additional seats in English classes this year. Tonight I am challenging local businesses to offer English classes in the work place.
Many people don t have the time to learn at night because of family responsibilities.
And some are working two or three jobs. My job is to make sure that everyone has the same opportunity that my grandparents had when they moved here from Italy. If we reach out and help new immigrants, we can build a better Boston. We have job vacancies in technology, hospitality, health care, and financial services. Our challenge is to fill those vacancies with skilled workers so that companies stay here.