A resolution offered this week by U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) recognizes February as National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.
“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution that recognizes the contributions CTE programs make to the American economy along with the important work being done by CTE professionals and teachers,” said the congressman on Wednesday.
House Resolution (H.Res.) 10, which Rep. Thompson sponsored with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), who are both co-chairs of the bipartisan CTE Caucus, is also cosponsored by 71 of their colleagues from both sides of the aisle.
“Historically, career and technical education has been wrongly viewed as a secondary choice for students, yet these programs are the key to bridging our nation’s skills gap,” Rep. Thompson said. “CTE prepares students with the technical skills needed to obtain high-paying, high-demand jobs.”
Nearly 12 million students are enrolled in CTE programs at high schools, career academies, CTE centers, and two-year colleges across the country, according to information provided by the lawmakers.
The legislation would recognize the importance of CTE and encourage educators, counselors, career development professionals, and parents to promote CTE as an option for students, the information says.
“Career and technical education opens up pathways to in-demand, good-paying jobs and helps enrich the learning experience for students,” said Rep. Bonamici. “There are many jobs available, many because Congress passed bipartisan legislation to invest in infrastructure and bolster domestic manufacturing, and CTE will help Americans get the skills they need to do this important work.”
Among the more than 50 organizations that support the resolution are Advance CTE, The School Superintendents Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the American Building Materials Alliance, DECA, Future Business Leaders of America, the National Association of Workforce Boards, numerous community colleges, the National Roofing Contractors Association, and the National School Boards Association, among many others.