CTE: Essential to Fulfilling Employment Needs

By John R. Carter

As I travel throughout the 31^st Congressional District in Central Texas, various industries are telling me what they need: employees that are trained and job ready. Career and Technical Education (CTE) is providing innovative programs to teach students the relevant skills they need to have the best opportunity to participate and find success in our economy. Students involved in CTE exhibit outstanding aptitude, creativity, and dedication – hard work that deserves to be celebrated and recognized. 

As a Member of Congress, I am proud to promote and invest in programs that prepare students with the necessary skills to keep our workforce competitive and our economy strong. This is one of the many reasons my office sponsored the Congressional Achievement Award for Outstanding Students in Career and Technical Education for Texas 31. I believe it is important to celebrate the hard work of our bright young students, and I plan to make it an annual award.

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. The nomination-based award for CTE students aims to raise awareness of successful careers that are available in the trades. Additionally, this program highlights the outstanding students here in Central Texas that are pursuing career and technical education. Nominations were received from high schools throughout the 31st district by educators in CTE. Student nominations were reviewed by a volunteer board of representatives from CTE-based fields, as well as from CTE representatives from local community and trade colleges.

In both Bell and Williamson Counties, Central Texas is leading the way in CTE.  I was proud to recognize the outstanding talent of Chloe Bush (Belton High School), Selena Perez (The Killeen Career Center), Deandre Johnson (The Killeen Career Center), Sunitha Konatham (Cedar Ridge High School) and Preston Cummings (Georgetown High School). Each of the five winners exemplify the significance CTE has for students looking beyond high school, with varying interests including agriculture, medicine, and construction.

Upon receiving the award, Chloe Bush, a graduating senior at Belton High School, discussed her journey to selecting trades education as a means to give her the best career opportunity after graduation. Her passion for construction science has taught her leadership, professional, and trade skills that will prepare her for a great career in the future.

For these five students and many more across the nation, CTE is more than just an elective in school; it is a pathway to a respectable, exciting career. I will continue to work to ensure these students and future CTE students receive the resources and recognition they deserve.

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, the largest armored military installation 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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