Career Technical Education Preparing Students for Success

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

For more than 12 million secondary and postsecondary students across the country, career and technical education (CTE) programs provide pathways to continued education and good jobs. Programs of study in CTE combine academic instruction with hands-on learning and occupational skills training for careers in in-demand fields like health care and information technology. In February, we recognize the important role that CTE plays in preparing students to be part of a competitive and resiliently skilled workforce for the future.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers are sponsoring a congressional resolution to commemorate CTE Month 2024 and promote CTE pathways as a great option for all students. “For too long CTE has been viewed as an alternative to rigorous academics, when in reality these programs allow learners of all ages to attain specific, often high-tech skills, that help them land good-paying, in-demand jobs,” said Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA). “Investing in CTE programs will help more students succeed in school and provide them with knowledge and skills to enter growing industries like manufacturing, infrastructure, clean energy, and more,” added Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR).

In addition, the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education recently held a hearing on “Preparing Students for Success in the Skills-Based Economy.” Members of the subcommittee heard from a panel of CTE educators and stakeholders who discussed the importance of expanding CTE programs to reach more students and leveraging community partners to help connect students to educational and career opportunities. “Where we have seen the greatest success, and students and schools flourish around CTE, has been where there has been the collaboration and the partnership between K-12 and industry and workforce development,” noted Kelly Mosley, CTE Supervisor of Clay County District Schools in Florida.

Goodwill believes that all learners should be able to choose from a range of educational pathways, including CTE, apprenticeship, adult education, and work-based learning among others. By facilitating access to high quality career education programs, local Goodwill organizations are helping to ensure that students in our nation’s high schools and community colleges can earn credentials and receive the supports they need to achieve college and career success.