On Tuesday, February 15, ACTE and Advance CTE hosted a Capitol Hill webinar briefing with career and technical education student organizations (CTSOs) and congressional CTE Caucus co-chairs Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), bringing together policymakers, CTE stakeholders and CTSO representatives for a learner-focused conversation on the value of CTE.
Rep. Langevin welcomed the webinar attendees and offered remarks from his perspective as a policymaker and co-chair of the House CTE Caucus. “Employers report that many of the top jobs that they need to fill require some form of technical skill, highlighting the importance of a well-prepared workforce and that’s where all of these young people come in... I believe that education is most effective when aligned with industry needs.”
Sen. Young reiterated his pride in serving as a co-chair of the Senate CTE Caucus and the importance of CTE in the current economic climate. “Our nation’s economy is facing a serious skills gap,” Young said. “In my home state of Indiana, 3 out of 5 jobs require skills training that amounts to more than a high school degree, but less than a traditional four-year degree at the college or university level. CTE programs are essential, and ensure that skilled jobs are actually filled in key Indiana industries.”
Moderator and Advance CTE Executive Director Kimberly Green then introduced student panelists Gowri Rangu, Zac Spohn, Kartik Tyagi and Maria Deddens.
Rangu, of Longview, Texas, observed that “through CTSOs, you have so much power as an individual to use your voice and influence change.” Rangu currently serves as the First Vice President of the Technology Student Association (TSA).
Spohn, attending Minnesota State University and representing DECA, noted that “DECA was the first time I was in a classroom where what I was being taught was applicable to what I wanted to do with my life and career.”
Tyagi, a UNC Chapel Hill student and International President-elect of the Health Occupations Students Association (HOSA), added that “my CTSO has provided me with mentors and opportunities to expand my professional network. These individuals are some of the biggest cheerleaders on my career journey and help to shape who I am today.” Tyagi also discussed the importance of obtaining professional certifications, including his own experience earning his pharmacy technician certificate.
For Deddens, of St. Leon, Indiana, CTSOs are a family affair and serve her community. “After witnessing my sister in the role as a state CTSO officer [for FCCLA] and applying her skills in the real world, I wanted to take the step to go into a CTSO and make a difference and a change within my community.”
Each of the students spoke about the need for equitable access to CTE programs that can help create a more accessible and affordable future as learners explore their career paths and interests.
Rangu summed up the experiences of each of the panelists by reminding the audience of policymakers and CTE stakeholders that they need to continue investing in CTE. “You’re not investing in an organization, you’re investing in the future.”
I would like to see Marketing listed in the Career Cluster as well. This is an extremely important aspect of Business.
Posted by: Karen Fehrmann | 02/16/2022 at 03:22 PM