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DWS Press Release
November 10, 2015

Refugees welcome Governor Herbert at newly opened Utah Refugee Education and Training Center

SALT LAKE CITY - Gov. Gary R. Herbert and the First Lady today toured the newly opened Utah Refugee Education and Training Center, located at the Salt Lake Community College Meadowbrook Campus, and met with refugee leaders to discuss needs, and current and future training opportunities at the Center.

"Refugees are a great asset to Utah communities," Gov. Herbert said. "The new Refugee Education and Training Center is a launch pad for our capable and skilled refugee workforce. I encourage Utah's business community to participate in the training of our future employees and entrepreneurs."

Refugees earn far below the average Utah wage - needing to earn at least $16 per hour to pay rent and other basic costs to be self-sustaining. The newly opened Refugee Education and Training Center, a partnership between Salt Lake Community College, Utah State University and Department of Workforce Services, will bridge the gap between a refugee's initial job and the skills and training needed to earn a wage that will sufficiently provide for themselves and their family.

The Center features workshops and classes geared toward job readiness, including English language training, intensive job search support, computer skills training, entrepreneurial support and life skills training. In addition, the Center is a gateway to higher education, with the Center located at one of Salt Lake Community College's campuses, and offering academic advisement and various vocational training certifications.

Businesses and employers interested in hiring refugees, or supporting the programs offered at the Center can visit refugee.utah.gov for more information. Utahns interested in volunteering with refugees can also visit refugee.utah.gov for information on how to get involved, or attend a volunteer orientation open house on Saturday, Nov. 21,2015, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Refugee Education and Training Center, 250 West 3900 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107.

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