Our great nation and the state of Texas is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. Sixty-nine percent of businesses across the United States have reported that attracting and retaining skilled workers has never been so challenging. According the Department of Labor, there are about 670,000 more job vacancies than there are potential workers.

Expanding career and technical education opportunities provides skilled workers to fill the gaps in our workforce, and it also gives students an opportunity to follow their own path to success. Texas' 31st district is lucky to have CTE programs in almost every school district in our community, and our schools lead in these programs nationwide. I hope to see these programs across the country so that every student has the chance to succeed.

A Few CTE Facts

• 93% of high school students in CTE programs graduate on time.
• The program resonates with struggling students who are at risk of dropping out of school.
• Because the program prepares youth for real-world application, they build stronger ties to the community.
• Students in CTE programs behave better in the classroom because they are engaged.
• Technical and applied science graduates earn $2,000–$11,000 more per year than those with a bachelor's degree.

It is important that we show the value of pursuing a career in the trades to motivated youth who have not chosen higher education as their path. That's why my office hosts the Career and Technical Education Awards every year to celebrate the students that are excelling in CTE programs across Central Texas. To learn more about the CTE Awards, visit the CTE Awards page.