Career and Technical Education Caucus

Information about the bipartisan Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, Co-Chaired by U.S. Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) and James Langevin (D-RI). 

The recent economic downturn is a reminder of how critically important education and job training opportunities are to students and workers in an increasingly competitive global economy.  That's why I believe strengthening and expanding our skilled workforce is paramount to preserving our nation’s technical job base and remaining globally competitive.  During the 111th Congress I served on the Career and Technical Education Caucus, to advocate one of the most important and effective ways for our communities to produce a well-educated and skilled workforce in the United States. Since that time, I have served as Co-Chairman of the CTE Caucus along with my colleague U.S. Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI). During both terms, our goals for the CTE Caucus have remained the same – to enhance awareness in Congress of the importance of career and technical education and advance policies that improve skilled labor education and support tech-related small business job growth.

"During this time of record high unemployment, Career and Technical Education Programs provide a life line for the under employed who look to begin new careers alongside young adults just starting out in the rapidly evolving job market. Career and Technical Education, while historically undervalued, helps tackle critical work force shortages and provides an opportunity for America to remain globally competitive, while also engaging students in practical, real world applications of academics, coupled with hands on work experiences. As we move toward Fiscal Year 2014, I join with a bipartisan group of my colleagues, in recognizing the importance of maintaining these federal investments for our country's future." - Rep. Glenn 'GT' Thompson, Career and Technical Education Caucus Co-Chairman