[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 11, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H1728-H1729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      JOBS AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the issue of 
joblessness in America.
  A simple way to enhance opportunities for all Americans is continued 
investments in career technical education or vocational schools. Not 
every

[[Page H1729]]

child's career path takes them through a 4-year college. It is 
necessary to provide opportunities for them to learn skills to apply 
for a job either right after graduation or through further 
certification.
  Career technical education teaches general employment skills and 
teaches skills required in specific occupations or careers. It can 
provide young people with confidence to focus on a career path.
  Many occupations taught at vocational schools are in high demand, 
such as nursing, business administration, culinary arts, automotive 
maintenance, software programming, and engineering technology.
  Our labor market is evolving and placing greater emphasis on high-
tech skills. To ensure vocational training keeps pace with these 
changes, we should encourage private industries to partner with 
vocational schools to identify emerging job markets and have students 
trained to fill these jobs.
  By investing in career technical education we can ensure that more 
Americans have secure career opportunities after graduation.

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