Richard Pombo: “today I rise to speak in favor of H.R. 366, the Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act. Vocational…”

“today I rise to speak in favor of H.R. 366, the Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act. Vocational education is an extremely important component of secondary education for millions of students. It is too often neglected at the State level and does not receive adequate funding or attention. Many students do not go on to an undergraduate university for their post-secondary education. Only about 40 percent of high school students who pursue post secondary education enroll in a college program. One third (over 5 million people) enroll in a vocational education program. There are many good paying jobs available to students interested in vocational training, but not enough students are being prepared for these types of jobs. However, we do have the ability to encourage more schools and their students to participate in vocational education. We can get businesses involved with the education of the skilled workers of tomorrow by helping them train the students of today. Among other things, H.R. 366 includes provisions to make funds available to eligible recipients for local education and business partnerships, including the establishment and operation of special arrangements with industry partners that allow qualified industry professionals to serve as faculty in postsecondary programs. It also makes funds available for leasing, purchasing, upgrading or adapting equipment, including instructional aides and publications.…”