U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) on Feb. 25 introduced a bipartisan resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.
Rep. Thompson is the lead original cosponsor of House Resolution (H.Res.) 864 with sponsor U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), both co-chairs of the Congressional CTE Caucus. The legislation would recognize National CTE Month, which is observed every February.
“I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort in Congress with Congressman Langevin, and I’m proud of the work Advance CTE has done over the last 100 years to promote skills-based education,” Rep. Thompson said.
If enacted, the resolution would recognize the importance of CTE and encourage educators, counselors, career development professionals, and parents to promote it. Currently, more than 12 million students are enrolled in CTE programs at high schools, career academies, CTE centers, and two-year colleges across the country, with participation linked to better attendance and higher high school graduation rates, according to information provided by Rep. Thompson’s office.
“Career and technical education is helping close our nation’s skills gap, strengthen the American workforce, and empower learners of all ages,” said Rep. Thompson.
The congressman added that CTE prepares students for careers in fields such as healthcare, information technology and the skilled trades, all of which need skilled workers.
“There are more than seven million job openings nationally, and many are within industries with noted skilled-labor shortages,” Rep. Thompson said. “By 2026, health care occupations alone are projected to grow by 18 percent, adding more than two million jobs nationwide. It is also projected that three million workers will be needed to support investments in the nation’s infrastructure in the next decade.”
Rep. Langevin noted that National CTE Month underscores the importance of the successful programs that have connected Americans with hands-on training and skills.
The resolution is supported by Advance CTE and the Association for Career and Technical Education.
Among the 66 other members who joined Rep. Thompson as a cosponsor of the resolution are U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Sam Graves (R-MO), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Fred Upton (R-MI), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Andy Barr (R-KY), and Bob Latta (R-OH).