Washington, D.C.    -  Since co-founding the Career and Technical Education Caucus last year, U.S. Reps. Phil English (PA-03) and Brian Baird (WA-03) have worked to underscore the benefits of career and technical education in Congress and to support funding and policies to promote career and technical education nationwide. Today, the House lawmakers applauded House passage of a resolution (H. Res. 930) they introduced earlier this year that highlights February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) month.  

“In order for American employers to continue to successfully compete in today’s global market, we must embrace an education system that encompasses the right resources and training to ensure students can succeed in the 21st century workforce,” said Congressman English.  “By recognizing February as Career and Technical Education month, this resolution demonstrates Washington’s commitment to promoting new programs and strengthening career and technical education throughout the country.”

As co-founders of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, Reps. English and Baird have diligently worked to ensure that students, educators, administrators and the general public understand the importance of improving CTE programs to ensure a competitive global economy. 

“Career and technical education provides students with the skills they need to find employment in skilled professions and to compete in a competitive global economy,” said Congressman Baird.  “I applaud the Association for Career and Technical Education for its efforts to spread the word about CTE initiatives nationwide.  I also want to recognize the more than 15 million students currently involved in career and technical education in this country and the more than 19,000 institutions that are presently offering career and technical education programs nationwide. I will continue to work with Rep. English and across party lines to ensure the importance of CTE remains highlighted year round.”

The Association for Career and Technical Education designated February as a month-long opportunity to celebrate career and technical education across the country.  H.Res. 930 not only supports the goals and ideals as presented by ACTE, but also recognizes the significance of training America’s workforce in technological education and encouraging educators and administrators to promote these CTE programs.

“We applaud Congress its passage of the resolution honoring February as CTE Month and for recognizing the value of career and technical education to the economic growth of the country.” said Jan Bray, executive director of ACTE. “CTE plays a critical role in providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be competitive in today’s workforce and toward achieving individual economic prosperity.”

Career and Technical Education month included an Annual National Job Shadow on the first Friday in February and the last week in February will be dedicated to the importance of entrepreneurship. H.Res. 930 passed the House floor last night by a vote of 380 to 0.

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