Career and Technical Education Offers a Pathway to Good Jobs

by Mitch Coppes, Government Relations Senior Specialist, Goodwill Industries International

Access to continued education and training beyond high school has become essential to achieving a rewarding career with family-sustaining wages for most Americans. However, the continuing crisis of college affordability and debt has created a high barrier to enrollment and completion in traditional higher education for many low-income students from underserved communities.

Goodwill believes that all students should be able to choose from a range of affordable educational pathways, including apprenticeships, occupational training, and credentialing opportunities. In a recent speech, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona spoke about advancing career education as a way to promote college and career success for students. “We must challenge our myopic view that emphasizing the importance of career pathways is about limiting students, or the view that it’s four-year-college or bust,” said Sec. Cardona. “It’s my intention to raise the bar so we can lead the world in advanced career and technical education.”

In February, we recognize the role of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students to be part of a competitive and resiliently skilled workforce for the future. CTE programs of study combine academic content with occupational skills training and work-based learning opportunities for nearly 12 million secondary and postsecondary students across the country. Local Goodwill organizations have long partnered with schools and community colleges to facilitate educational programs that help students earn credentials and access the support services they need to successfully complete their education.

In addition, the bipartisan Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act was reintroduced in Congress this month. The JOBS Act would extend financial aid provided through Pell Grants to students enrolled in short-term training programs that are aligned with the workforce needs of employers and lead to market-valued credentials. Expanding affordable access to high-quality CTE and training pathways will ensure that students facing barriers to education and employment are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue in-demand careers.