Glenn Thompson: “February is Career and Technical Education Month. As co-chair of the Career and Technical Education Caucus and a senior…”

“February is Career and Technical Education Month. As co-chair of the Career and Technical Education Caucus and a senior member of the Committee on the Education and the Workforce, I have long been aware of the importance of career and technical education programs that provide learners of all ages career-ready skills. From agriculture to the arts, from marketing to manufacturing, CTE programs work to develop America's most valuable resources: its people. Together, with Representative Jim Langevin, my CTE Caucus co-chair, we will introduce a resolution officially designating February as CTE Month. Mr. Speaker, 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 schools and area technical centers to technical and 2-year community colleges. In total, 12.5 million high school and college students are enrolled in CTE programs across the Nation. Just last week, President Trump expressed his commitment to CTE during his first State of the Union Address. President Trump said: ``Let us invest in workforce development and job training. Let us open great vocational schools so our future workers can learn a craft and realize their full potential.'' Fortunately, the House unanimously passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act last June. I authored this bill with Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi.…”