America’s Displaced Worker: Resources for Successful Workforce Re-entry

The United States has suffered record unemployment and underemployment for the past decade. According to surveys conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the most consistent responses for worker displacement have been insufficient work and plant or company closure and relocation. To recover, the U.S government has encouraged unemployed and displaced workers to enroll in community and technical colleges to develop the skills needed to compete in our global economy. The future of the nation’s global competiveness and international relevance depends heavily on the quantity and quality of skilled workers produced. This purpose of this article is to showcase some of the statistical data available concerning unemployed Americans, the factors contributing to the displacement of workers, the financial cost of the displaced worker, and the federal programs designed to assist displaced workers with acquiring postsecondary credentials and skills for successful workforce re-entry. Emphasized in this article is the importance of goal setting and potential career options for the displaced worker and adult learner.