CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025)] [House] [Page H510] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to discuss a topic fundamental to the strength of our workforce and the future of our economy: career and technical education, otherwise known as CTE. Yesterday, I introduced a resolution celebrating CTE month and highlighting these programs' vital role in preparing students for high- skill, high-wage careers. The reach of CTE programs is vast. They shape industries that are the backbone of our economy, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and the skilled trades, just to name a few. With a record number of learners enrolled in CTE programs nationwide, more than 12 million, it is clear that these initiatives are making a difference. However, we still face a major challenge: a skills gap. Today, there are approximately 8 million job openings in this country. Businesses, both large and small, are struggling to find qualified workers with specialized skills needed to compete in an ever- evolving job market. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and automation are reshaping our economy, demanding higher levels of expertise, problem-solving, and adaptability from our workforce. The solution is clear: We must continue to invest in CTE programs. These programs bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that students and workers of all ages have the tools that they need to succeed. CTE is a powerful pathway to success. By providing hands-on experience, industry certifications, and real- world knowledge applications, CTE empowers individuals to secure high- quality jobs and build prosperous careers. I have long recognized the importance of CTE through legislation like the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This investment modernizes Federal support for CTE programs and provides greater flexibility for States and local communities to tailor education to workforce needs. A practical outcome of this that I have seen is we were under- enrolled, and, today, as a result of that legislation, we now have waiting lists of individuals, both youth and adults, seeking this pathway to success in life. The results speak for themselves. According to a recent analysis, CTE students in secondary programs have a 4-year graduation rate of over 96 percent. This is significantly higher than the national average. According to the CTE Research Network, which conducts analyses of CTE in coordination with the Institute of Education Sciences at the Department of Education, CTE has significant, positive impacts on several high school outcomes, including academic achievement, employability skills, and post-secondary readiness. Employers also report that CTE graduates are better prepared for the workforce, stating they possess the necessary technical skills and work readiness to excel in their roles. None of this would be possible without the dedicated educators, administrators, and support staff who work tirelessly to promote and expand CTE programs. Their commitment to student success is invaluable, and we owe them our deepest gratitude for preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. I thank my partner on this legislation here in the House, Representative Bonamici, as well as my counterparts across the Capitol, Senators Baldwin, Budd, Kaine, and Young, for joining me in introducing this commonsense effort. Madam Speaker, as we look ahead, we must remain committed to strengthening CTE, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to these opportunities. By doing so, we close the skills gap and build a more competitive and resilient economy that benefits all Americans. ____________________