A recent hearing of the House Committee on Small Business focused on the role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in addressing workforce shortages affecting small businesses. Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX) led the session, titled “Career and Technical Education: Developing the Future of Main Street Success,” aiming to explore how CTE programs can help supply skilled workers needed by local businesses.
“American small businesses need more plumbers, welders, and carpenters,” said Chairman Williams. “Career and Technical Education programs play a vital role in supplying the skilled workforce that Main Street relies on. Despite these programs creating an affordable pathway for students to graduate with no debt, a career, and plenty of entrepreneurial and growth opportunities, CTE is often passed over by young people entering the workforce. This Committee will continue to improve and promote options that boost the American economy.”
During the hearing, members discussed strategies for increasing awareness about skilled trades among students. Williams asked Dr. Nix about promoting these careers as viable alternatives for students looking for high-paying jobs without incurring college debt.
Dr. Nix responded: “I think it starts with really recognizing the fact that you can graduate and enter the workforce with a skilled trade that costs you pretty much nothing if you’re coming from public school. There is no college tuition that you have to pay to get that. A lot of times, high schools can provide that full certification in your high school experience, and you can graduate with little to no debt. I think incentivizing that and helping parents understand that is a huge part of promoting and recruiting students into skilled trades, for sure.”
Rep. Bresnahan addressed how CTE programs work with local businesses to ensure curricula align with labor market needs. Dr. Gunuskey explained Pennsylvania’s approach:
“Yes, absolutely. I’d be happy to share that. So, one of the reasons that I think our programs are so successful is because they’re celebrated and embraced by our community. Our community loves that we have these programs. They see the value in them. They understand that we need more of them, and we need them to grow. We need more participation. What has, I think, greatly benefited our program—and it’s something that I think Pennsylvania does very well—is the requirement for every CTE program to have Occupational Advisory Committees—OAC committees—that meet twice a year. Those committees are required for small businesses, industry professionals, post-secondary institutions to come in and meet with us twice a year, each program, and really dissect what we’re doing, looking at our task list, looking at what students are learning, looking at the equipment that we’re utilizing, and giving us feedback as to: are we hitting the mark or are we not? What do we need to change? What do we need to update? So, I would strongly suggest OACs to any school that is not doing that. I think that is a strong complement to any program.”
Rep. Stauber raised concerns about ongoing labor shortages across various sectors including construction companies in Minnesota’s 8th District.
“At the end of last year, there were roughly 6.5 million job openings nationwide. In Northern Minnesota and across the 8th District, contractors tell me they have work lined up but it can be difficult to find enough skilled workers to complete it,” Stauber said.
Mr. Gibson from Build Up Kansas commented on how shortages impact small firms: “Build Up Kansas took this on several years ago because again we need 58,000 new construction workers to keep up with market demand but the bottom line is small- to medium-sized firms are now having to be very selective on what they bid which keeps them from being able to grow their company grow their expertise and other related growth opportunities.” Stauber added: “And that's what we want to do in the Small Business [Committee], Mr Gibson…Have the small businessman or woman be part of that.”
The committee intends further examination into how CTE partnerships between educational institutions and local employers may address labor gaps while offering affordable career pathways.
