This week, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing titled "The New Faces of American Manufacturing," which focused on advancing American manufacturing by preparing the next generation of workers. The hearing featured a panel of expert witnesses, including Dr. Ray Perren, president of Lanier Technical College in Oakwood, Georgia, who represented ACTE. In his testimony, Dr. Perren called for a “Sputnik Moment” in manufacturing workforce development. Among his policy recommendations for the committee, Dr. Perren highlighted the reauthorization of Perkins to “encourage secondary and postsecondary institutions to work together with local business and industry partners to develop career pathways that support manufacturing and other careers.” He also argued for expanding the federal Pell Grant program to allow student access to financial aid year round. Supporting our “education infrastructure” to grow the capacity of institutions to offer CTE programs, including those in manufacturing, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in the skilled trades with early career awareness opportunities, where other themes included in Dr. Perren’s testimony.
Dr. Ray Perren (right) with Rep. Doug Collins R-GA (left)
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