HR Policy Adds Support to Career and Technical Education Reauthorization Principles

Employee Relations, Jobs, Skills and Training

This week, HR Policy Association joined other business groups in urging Congress to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to help fill the shortage of skilled workers available to fill in-demand positions.  The letter presses for a focus on areas where improvements can be made to current law, building upon its past successes and enhancing aspects of the Perkins Act, which will help to better serve both workers and employers.  The three primary principles Congress is urged to include in the legislation are:

• Aligning CTE programs to the needs of the regional, state, and local labor market;
  
  
• Supporting effective and meaningful collaboration between secondary and postsecondary institutions and employers;
  
  
• Increasing student participation in experiential learning opportunities such as industry internships, apprenticeships and mentorships; and
  
  
• Promoting the use of industry-recognized credentials.

The letter states: "CTE has proven to be an effective tool for improving student outcomes and helps prepare both secondary and postsecondary students with the necessary academic, technical, and employability skills required for successful entry into the workforce.  Indeed, CTE prepares students both for college and careers."  Individual companies interested in adding their name to the organizations supporting the reauthorization principles can learn more here.