Trump Administration CTE Update

On November 9, President Trump issued a proclamation marking American Education Week. The proclamation focused on the role education plays in meeting the demands of the labor market, noting that "[h]igh-quality education also paves the way for a thriving workforce." The president noted the National Council for the American Worker and the American Workforce Advisory Board which he established earlier this year to bring education and industry stakeholders together.

The proclamation also mentioned Perkins reauthorization, describing it as "legislation [to] increase[] access to programs that will help provide students with the skills they need to succeed in our 21st century economy while enabling more flexibility for States to meet the unique needs of their students, educators, and employers." The proclamation then reiterates a commitment to ensure "students and workers have access to education and job training."

Additionally, the Department of Education has highlighted National Apprenticeship Week. In a blog post, the Department recapped action that the president took last year in an effort to grow American apprenticeships. It also discussed statistics from the Department of Labor and various industry publications about apprenticeships and the skills gap. The blog concluded by touting the benefits conferred to apprentices, and how high-quality apprenticeships can lead to high-paying careers.

Comments

[Kevin A Williams]

I believe it is very important to bring back realistic apprenticeship programs at the secondary school level. It starts with community structure of schools relationships with local and corporate businesses in close proximity to the schools and students. This can be accomplished with creative roles for marketing CTE educational programming from within the schools. Highlighting the best CTE students, teachers, administrators and active business professionals who are participating and finding results from sound program relationships. Funding is still a ever present challenge within the CTE world and diversity requires creative preparation to bring all students the resources needed to be successful. Proper planning for this ceremonial day of National Apprenticeship must have a goal to meet and not just a photo opportunity. Find the community CTE needs and meet them.