Reps. Thompson and Langevin Introduce Resolution Celebrating Career and Technical Education

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representatives Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) introduced a resolution to celebrate February 2022 as CTE Month. The resolution highlights the impact of career and technical education (CTE) programs on learners at all levels, as well as the role of CTE in supporting industries seeking to fill positions in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage jobs and career fields.

More than 11 million students are enrolled in CTE programs across the country at the secondary and postsecondary levels, with CTE programs in thousands of CTE centers, comprehensive high schools, career academies, CTE high schools and nearly 1,000 2-year colleges.

"Career and technical education (CTE) provides learners of all ages with career-ready skills that promote America's continued economic growth," Rep. Thompson said. "CTE month recognizes the power of a skills-based education, which restores rungs on the ladder of opportunity for many individuals and gives them the tools they need to succeed. I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Rep. Langevin and will continue to work hard to close our nation's skills gap."

"I am thrilled to celebrate another CTE Month with my colleagues in the CTE Caucus," Rep. Langevin said. "With employers across the country struggling to fill open positions, it is more important than ever to support CTE programs that prepare students with the necessary skills and certifications to meet the growing demand for high-skilled talent. A bachelor's degree is not the only path to a meaningful, stable, high-paying career, and I'm proud of the work that we do to expand job training, apprenticeships, and CTE programs to Americans everywhere, of all ages."


"We are proud to support the CTE Month resolution, honoring the learners, educators, supporters and stakeholders who are navigating a challenging time for our education system," Advance CTE Executive Director Kimberly Green said. "It has been heartening to see current and former CTE learners on the frontline of the pandemic - as educators, scientists, manufacturers, transportation professionals and healthcare workers. CTE plays a crucial role in helping learners stay engaged in their education, ensuring they are prepared with the knowledge and skills needed no matter what the future economy holds. At the same time, postsecondary CTE is paramount to the upskilling and reskilling for the millions of Americans who are still out of work, preparing them for living-wage and in-demand careers. We appreciate elevating these important issues during CTE Month."

"ACTE applauds the leadership of Representatives Langevin and Thompson in raising awareness about the many benefits associated with high-quality CTE programs," said LeAnn Wilson, Executive Director of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) . "As workers look to obtain the skills they need to enter in-demand career fields, these resolutions act as a critical reminder of the role CTE can play in strengthening our nation's economy and providing a pathway to a family-sustaining career."

###