GEORGETOWN, Del. — Senator Coons recognized Career and Technical Education Month with a visit to Sussex Technical High School in Georgetown on Friday. The Senator got a first-hand look at the critical role that career and technical education play in providing the strong workforce training needed to fill good-paying jobs — jobs that are vital to restoring the economic health of our nation. Sussex Tech serves over 1,200 full-time students and offers 15 technical career areas, including—dental technology, business and finance, auto body and carpentry.
“While job creation is critical to Delaware’s economic recovery, it is equally important that we have a well-trained workforce ready, willing and able to do the job,” Senator Coons said. “Schools like Sussex Technical High School are investing in students to help them become develop careers and become future leaders.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that middle-skill jobs (jobs that generally require some significant education and training beyond high school but less than a bachelor’s degree) will account for about 45% of all job openings projected through 2014. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, CTE strengthens student engagement in school, and helps with transitions from high school to postsecondary education and from education to careers.
“Whether going from high school straight into the workforce, or pursuing a college degree, getting students engaged and keeping them engaged in the educational process is key to helping them find success,” said Senator Coons.
For several months, Senator Coons has been working on legislation designed to improve college preparation, accessibility and completion. Last week, he convened a discussion with more than 20 local leaders on parental involvement, mentoring, and overcoming financial barriers designed to better inform that legislation.
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