Policymaker Perspectives:
A Discussion with Representative Trey Hollingsworth
Policymaker Perspectives is a discussion series between ACTE and federal policymakers. It is intended to allow CTE professionals to hear directly from policymakers about their priorities and the work taking place in Washington to strengthen the CTE ecosystem.
Representative Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) was first elected to Congress last year to represent Indiana’s Ninth Congressional District, which begins just south of Indianapolis and extends to Indiana’s southern border. Rep. Hollingsworth comes from the business world, and ran on bringing his entrepreneurial experience to Congress. His company rehabilitates abandoned warehouses and manufacturing sites, and now includes over 65 facilities employing thousands of people. He also started an aluminum remanufacturing business in Indiana.
In Congress, Rep. Hollingsworth serves on the House Financial Services Committee. Among other federal policy areas, the committee is tasked with economic, banking, housing and insurance issues. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from Georgetown University. Rep. Hollingsworth and his wife, Kelly, live in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
ACTE spoke with Representative Hollingsworth as part of our Policymaker Perspectives discussion series.
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ACTE: A recent report indicated that 80 percent of manufacturers say talent shortages will impact their ability to meet customer demand. As a businessman in the manufacturing field, do you see workforce shortages in the industry as a critical issue? How did they impact your business?
Representative Hollingsworth: Absolutely, this is a critical issue. As a businessman, I can tell you that the strength of your business is in direct proportion to the strength of your team, and I hear all across the District from businesses struggling with talent shortages. It is so frustrating to hear how many Hoosier businesses have the right product, have the right customers, and have the right amount of capital but cannot find the right employees necessary to pursue their American Dream.
ACTE: In response to a question you were asked last year about ensuring students have affordable access to postsecondary education and training, you underscored the importance of students understanding their choices. Unfortunately, not all students are made aware of the many opportunities available to them in CTE. What is your message to high school students in Indiana considering postsecondary CTE and a 2-year degree or credential?
Representative Hollingsworth: I want Hoosier students to understand all of their options for pursuing their bright futures. There are an abundance of opportunities — and I mean genuine well-paid career-tracks — available to those who undertake vocational, technical, or certificate training. Students should understand that these options are not a “Plan B” but could be a viable “Plan A.”
ACTE: Earlier this year you cosponsored H.R. 3145, the bipartisan ISA Act of 2017. The bill essentially provides the framework for an arrangement between private funders and students whereby the funder would pay for a student’s postsecondary education and would later be repaid at a rate equal to a set percentage of the student’s salary upon graduation. Can you tell us more about the bill and why you decided to cosponsor it?
Representative Hollingsworth: Too many students are graduating with a load of debt that will plague them for decades. We need to empower students with more options to decide how to finance their educational opportunities. One size does not fit all; one approach means less competition to deliver the lowest-cost financing to students. I want students to have many companies competing to deliver them innovative, customized, and low-cost financing solutions.
ACTE: In a roundtable discussion earlier this year with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Trump spoke about the importance of apprenticeships. Apprenticeships can give employers access to a highly-skilled workforce while providing paid job training, and eventually career opportunities, to students. How can Congress support and encourage apprenticeship programs?
Representative Hollingsworth: Companies of all sizes are looking for ways to develop their workforces and also grow new potential hires in the community through apprenticeships. It is important for people to see the exciting careers available in manufacturing and have a pathway to the right skills for them to succeed for their and their family’s futures.
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