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[Page H773]
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 today to
recognize February as Career and Technical Education Month. Each year,
this month highlights the benefits of a skills-based education and the
valuable contributions that CTE students make to the American workforce
and the American economy.
More specifically, February 2 through February 8 is SkillsUSA Week.
SkillsUSA is a leader in the CTE movement. This annual celebration
represents nearly 370,000 SkillsUSA members across the country who are
developing the personal, workplace, and technical skills necessary to
earn and keep good-paying and rewarding jobs.
A one-size-fits-all approach to education is not an effective way to
prepare students for the workforce. We are doing students a great
disservice when we only promote what is considered a traditional
college experience.
When we look at the potential of our Nation's learners and contrast
that with the 7 million unfilled jobs nationwide, clearly, there is a
disconnect. This is often referred to as the skills gap, and CTE can
help us bridge this divide.
Now, I have the privilege of serving as the co-chair of the
bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus alongside my
colleague and good friend, Congressman Jim Langevin.
Over the years, we have met with many educators, counselors,
administrators, and students to better understand the resources
necessary to support learners of all ages.
I am proud of the legislation that we have put forward to ensure
students have the tools they need to pursue a rewarding education, and,
eventually, a rewarding career.
With this kind of support, we can help empower students and better
prepare them for a 21st century workforce. Most recently, that includes
H.R. 5092, the Counseling for Career Choice Act, a bill that would
invest in career counseling for high school students as well as
professional development opportunities for the counselors who support
them.
Career and technical education is not a plan B. It is a valuable
educational option that is empowering learners of all ages to take
control of their personal and professional futures.
To me, the ideal educational system is one that allows students to
get in with as few barriers to entry as possible, get the education
that they need, and get out. By providing students with a clear picture
of what the workforce entails--or, more specifically, by investing in
career and technical education--we can help make that a reality.
Madam Speaker, I am asking my colleagues to join me in celebrating
Career and Technical Education Month by supporting the Counseling for
Career Choice Act and other commonsense, bipartisan bills that help
provide quality CTE opportunities to our Nation's students.
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