[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 13, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H1528]
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. Mr. Speaker, February is Career and 
Technical Education Month. As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and 
Technical Education Caucus, and a senior member of the Education and 
Labor Committee, I have long been aware of the importance of CTE 
programs that provides learners of all ages with career-ready skills.
  From agriculture to the arts, from marketing to manufacturing, CTE 
programs work to develop America's most valuable resource: its people.
  Together with my friend and colleague, Congressman   Jim Langevin, 
co-chairman of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, we introduced 
a resolution officially designating February as CTE month. I encourage 
all of my colleagues to sign on as cosponsors because CTE truly 
benefits all Americans.
  CTE is taught in a range of settings: from high school and area 
technical centers, to technical and 2-year community colleges. Millions 
of high school and college students are enrolled in CTE programs across 
the Nation, bringing CTE to every community in the country.
  Fortunately, in July 2018, President Trump signed into law the 
Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. 
I authored this bill with Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and it 
aims to close the skills gap by modernizing Federal investment in CTE 
programs, and connecting educators with industry stakeholders.
  It marks the first major overhaul to the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
Technical Education Act since 2006. The Perkins Act is important for 
educational institutions as well as local businesses. Small business 
owners rely upon Perkins programs to increase the number of skilled 
candidates in emerging sectors. Future workers in fields such as 
manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, and agriculture also 
rely on career and technical education programs to obtain the skills 
necessary for high-skill, high-wage, family-sustaining jobs and 
careers.
  Essentially, Mr. Speaker, we are providing the education and tools to 
equip a 21st century workforce for this Nation. For students who pursue 
a career in technical education, it isn't some kind of plan B option. 
CTE has established itself as a path that many high-achieving students 
choose in pursuit of industry certification and hands-on skills that 
they can use right away out of high school in skills-based education 
programs or in college.
  By modernizing the Federal investment in CTE programs, we can connect 
more educators with industry stakeholders and close the skills gap in 
this country. There are good jobs out there, but people need to be 
qualified to get them. A career in technical education is a pathway 
forward for each and every one of these people.
  CTE gives people from all walks of life an opportunity to succeed. 
During CTE month, we celebrate the achievements of students and spread 
awareness that there is no one-size-fits-all plan for success in life. 
I thank Congressman Langevin for his dedication to this issue, and urge 
all of my colleagues to support this important resolution.

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