(ROUND ROCK, TX) –Rep. John R. Carter (R-TX-31)  hosted a roundtable discussion on Career and Technical Education. The discussion was co-hosted by Texas State Technical College (TSTC)  and took place at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto. More than 30 Central Texas educators, local business owners, professional associations, and state policymakers participated in a lively discussion on finding innovative solutions to incentivize high school students to pursue a career in the trades. This discussion shed light on various ways the community can work together to  help fill the gap that exists between education and business needs. The skilled trades remain one of the hardest hit sectors when it comes to having qualified workers to fill the many available job openings.

“Today's students and tomorrows workers are often unaware of the financial benefits and rewarding careers the trades industry could provide,” said Rep. Carter. “Across Texas and our great nation, we have many businesses searching for qualified talent to work in plumbing, roofing, mechanical, heating and air conditioning, and other technical and trades careers. We need to do a better job at promoting and educating our young people on available jobs and careers in these fields, that are often good paying and provide stability and opportunity to grow.”

"I believe that Texans know how to educate Texans best, which is why I hosted this roundtable discussion with local leaders. I will continue to work with parents, educators, and employers to tackle CTE issues from the ground-up and  help show motivated students the value of pursuing a career in skilled trades. We cannot afford to continue to see our talent either drop out of school or get buried in debt when there is a pathway to success in the trades."

Marlene McMichael, TSTC Vice Chancellor of Governmental Affairs said, "In order to meet the needs of both students and employers today, it is clear that educators have to think beyond the traditional pathways offered by higher education. We must bring employers and educators together, and we must focus on the specific technical skills that will match students to productive, high-paying jobs. The CTE roundtable discussion was absolutely the right move. We, at TSTC, are very grateful for the possibilities Congressman Carter's roundtable represents to the region."

 Dr. John Craft, Superintendent for Killeen Independent School District said, “The roundtable discussion hosted by TSTC and Congressman Carter provided the venue to engage in productive conversations with area educators and business leaders alike pertaining to the future of Career and Technical Education opportunities for our students and the future Central Texas workforce. These types of conversations only help to forge a prosperous future economy as we work collaboratively to ensure students are graduating with the skills necessary to be successful contributors to the Central Texas workforce. The Killeen Independent School District remains appreciative of the opportunity to engage in this important work.”  

National Roofing Contractors Association member, and local business owner Rick Birkman said, "As a local roofing contractor and a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association, I was honored to participate with Rep. Carter and other local leaders in the roundtable. Our industry is always looking for skilled workers to fill a variety of jobs, both on the roof and in the office. We welcome the help of Rep. Carter and others to assist in this goal."

Within the discussion, participants shared many ideas that our community can act upon to obtain successful results within Career and Technical Education. Businesses mentioned the need to create industry relationships and communicate with educators to pinpoint the most in-demand skill sets. Educators echoed the need to foster relationships with local businesses and added that counselors need more flexibility to inform students of the career opportunities in the trades industry. As a proud member of the Congressional CTE Caucus, Congressman Carter will continue to work with industry leaders and stakeholders to promote Career and Technical Education.

Participants of the roundtable discussion included:

Government:

U.S. Representative John Carter

State Representative Marsha Farney

Education:

TSTC

Marlene McMichael, Vice Chancellor of Governmental Affairs, TSTC
Edgar Padilla, Provost, TSTC

Dr. Irene Cravey, Associate Vice Chancellor for Instructional Operations, TSTC 

Temple College

Dr. Lesley Keeling-Olson, Division Director, Business & Career Profession, Temple College
Mark A. Smith, Ph.D, Vice President of Educational Services, Temple College

Shelley M. Pearson, Associate Vice President, Health Professions, Temple College

Killeen ISD

Dr. John Craft, Superintendent, KISD
Dr. Robin Champagne, Assistant Superintendent Instructional Leadership, KISD
Nancy Duran, Executive Director for Career and Technical Education, KISD

Georgetown ISD

Jennifer Ashman-Porter, Director of Counseling and Student Wellness, GISD
Terri Conrad, Director of Career and Technical Education, GISD

Leander ISD

Chris Simpson, Principle, Wiley Middle School,  LISD
Christina Wallace, College, and Career Transition Coordinator, Rouse High School, LISD
Laurelyn Arterbury, Executive Director, College and Career Pathways, LISD

Camille Clay, Senior Director, College and Career Transition, LISD

Jamie Everett, Coordinator Career Development, LISD

Waco ISD
Donna McKethan, Director, Career and Technical Education, Waco ISD

Hutto ISD
Brandy Baker, Assistant Superintendent of School Support, HISD
Travis Clark CTE Director, HISD

Local Businesses

Scott Bland, President, Jim Bland Construction

Tracy Jackson- Manager at Tasus Texas

Sam Dowdy, S&D Pluming, Board Chair, Taylor Chamber of Commerce

Mike Odom, President, Round Rock Chamber of Commerce

Karen Sheldon, President, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce

Eric Nail, Vice President, Odyssey Technical Solutions

Steve Dobos, President, Butler Weldments Corporation

Mike Hewlett, Owner/Partner Don Hewlett Auto

Associations:

Robin Painovich, Career and Technical Association of Texas, Executive Director

Mike Meroney--Texas Association of Manufacturers

Lorraine Urey,Director of Member Services, Texas Association of Home Builders

Rick Birkman,Texas Roofing Company, National Roofing Contractors Association

For more information on the Congressional CTE Caucus, please visit: http://careerandtechnicaleducationcaucus-langevin.house.gov/

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the House Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

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