KC part of new program to boost high-tech training, hiring

Twenty-one cities and about 300 employers have made commitments to work jointly to train low-skilled workers to make them proficient for jobs in software development, network administration and cybersecurity. Kansas City is one of the communities participating in the program.

The announcement came as President Barack Obama on Monday called for a home-grown, high-technology workforce to will help boost higher-wage employment at a time of stagnant incomes.

Obama announced a $100 million federal government grant program to improve training and hiring of high-tech workers.

He says the U.S. needs to position itself for a constantly changing global economy. He says: “If we’re not producing enough tech workers, over time that’s going to threaten our leadership in global innovation.”

Obama made his remarks at a meeting of the National League of Cities. The White House says high-tech jobs pay 50 percent more than average private-sector American jobs.

This story was originally published March 9, 2015 at 11:41 AM with the headline "KC part of new program to boost high-tech training, hiring."