Schools, trade industries must collaborate on training

The workforce skills gap in trade industries can be overcome by better connecting schools and businesses to create effective technical training, industry experts told a caucus hosted by Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) on Friday.

The bipartisan Congressional Career & Technical Education Caucus held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, included witness testimony from educators and representatives of the trade industry.

“We have an obligation, whether as local, state or federal policymakers, to ensure that all Americans have access to quality programs that will equip them with the skills needed to succeed in an evolving and globally competitive job market,” Thompson said after the event. “Today’s witness panel offered a range of insights into how we improve career and technical education programs, involve employers of all sizes, and ensure that individuals will have access to good paying, family sustaining jobs.”

Kimberly A. Green, executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium, said employers are struggling to fill skilled worker positions and that career and technical education (CTE) must fill that talent pipeline to keep the nation economically competitive.

That training must be a collaborative effort with the employers, according to Tamar Jacoby, president of Opportunity America, who was testifying on behalf of the Opportunity America Jobs and Careers Coalition.

“CTE educators and employers need each other,” Jacoby said. “There can be little effective technical training without collaboration between the two sectors – and not just one time or occasionally. What’s needed is a sustained, structured exchange of information and often day-to-day cooperation.”

Jim Kunz, business manager at the International Union of Operating Engineers, said its members are near full employment, but finding qualified candidates has been a challenge.

“It is important that we provide our school districts with the vocational resources and information on what life time careers are available in the building trades, on how an apprenticeship works, and on the skills and qualifications required by the various trades,” Kunz said.