SE North Carolina News

Washington, D.C. — The Senate has unanimously passed a resolution recognizing February 2024 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. The resolution, known as S. Res. 550, was sponsored by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), who are also co-chairs of the Senate CTE Caucus.

Senator Budd expressed his gratitude for the passage of the bipartisan resolution, stating, "I’d like to thank my colleagues for unanimously passing our bipartisan resolution recognizing February as Career and Technical Education Month. I will continue to advocate for more educational options for students, with a special focus on CTE programs, because they offer a high-salary, low-debt pathway to success."

Senator Kaine, drawing from personal experiences, emphasized the importance of CTE in providing opportunities for good-paying jobs. He said, "As the son of an ironworker and during my time working at a technical school in Honduras, I’ve witnessed firsthand how CTE can provide a pathway to good-paying, meaningful jobs. This month and every month, let’s work to expand access to CTE, including by passing my JOBS Act to allow students to use Pell Grants for job training programs, and build an economy that works for everyone."

Senator Young highlighted the significance of workforce training in preparing for the future job market, stating, "Supporting workforce training is vital to preparing for the jobs of tomorrow. Career and technical education equips individuals with hands-on experiences, addresses the skills gap, and provides a pathway to a meaningful career. Hoosiers deserve opportunities to succeed and live the American Dream."

Senator Baldwin, emphasizing the value of alternative pathways to success, expressed her support for CTE, saying, "We know that a four-year degree is not for everyone and there are many other ways to a good middle-class life. I’m proud to support career and technical education because it gives people the hands-on experiences and skills they need to land a good-paying job and meet our economy’s demands. I look forward to continuing to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to support CTE programs and set Wisconsinites up for success."

The resolution's passage is a significant step in recognizing and promoting the importance of CTE in providing students with practical skills and preparing them for successful careers. By acknowledging February as Career and Technical Education Month, the Senate aims to encourage the expansion and accessibility of CTE programs nationwide.