As Texas students tackle their first weeks of school, we are reminded that today’s graduates are increasingly facing a future of unemployment, declining wages, and mounds of student loan debt. Recent graduates from traditional four year universities continue to find their employment options limited; yet, just this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5.6 million job openings in America. This staggering number is a direct reflection of the skills gap that exists between the American workforce and the needs of many employers.

This lack in skilled workers is largely due to an underlying stigma surrounding Career and Technical Education (CTE).  The academic goals of many students and educators fail to align with the needs of businesses looking to hire skilled workers for high-paying, fulfilling careers.

To put our Nation on a path of expanded economic growth, we must back away from the traditional “college for all” mindset. While many thrive in a four year university atmosphere, the reality is that college is not for everyone, and many students’ career goals are best achieved with an associate’s degree or a certificate in a skilled trade. As four year colleges and universities continue to veer further away from accessibility and affordability, the CTE route offers affordable, practical training designed to prepare students for a rewarding career.

Unfortunately, CTE has been unfairly branded as a disappointing alternative to a college degree, or reserved as a last resort for underprivileged students. Yet with rapid technological advancements and high employer demand, CTE has become more than just a backup plan – it is a path to a fulfilling and prosperous career. With jobs ranging from biotechnology to cybersecurity, and from culinary arts to robotics, CTE meets a variety of diverse interests.

It is time we as a nation reassess our educational priorities and work to reverse the stigma surrounding CTE. When asked about plans after high school, students should be filled with just as much pride when announcing they have chosen to attend the local trade school as if they were to answer with plans to enroll at Texas Tech or Harvard.

In order to bridge the gap between our workforce and employers, I believe promoting CTE and the many opportunities it presents should begin at the local level.  This is why I hosted a roundtable discussion at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto. Texas educators, local business owners, professional associations, and state policymakers met to brainstorm ways to best ensure students receive an education that will provide them with the skillset necessary to meet employers’ needs.

When it comes to CTE, the discussion has just begun and the opportunities are expansive. Texas is a national leader for job opportunity and economic growth. In order to maintain this high standard, our talent pool must continue to meet the needs of our businesses and industries. Jobs in CTE are readily available, and our community must encourage students to pursue high-paying careers in technology, mechanics, and other highly skilled trades. I have confidence Texans will continue to lead the way in growing our economy, and CTE is a key to our economic prosperity.

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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