TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator M. Teresa Ruiz designating the month of February 2016 as “Career and Technical Education Month” in New Jersey cleared the full Senate today.
The purpose of the measure, SR-19, is to recognize and promote the many benefits of career and technical education programs in our State. The resolution would encourage students, parents, and other citizens of the State to learn more about career and technical education, county vocational-technical school programs, and well-paying career pathways that can be launched with an industry credential or a technical degree.
“As a career iron worker I cannot emphasize enough the value of trade school education. These schools offer valuable careers that contribute to strengthening our economy, and students and parents should consider these programs when exploring future careers,” said Senate President Sweeney (D-Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem). “There will always be demand for technology and construction because we will continue to build in our cities and towns not to mention our continued reliance on the ever-changing world of technology.”
“Career and technical education programs provide clear pathways to successful employment for students. They offer valuable college and workforce prep through industry-recognized credentials, hands-on experience, and college credits,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “We have taken legislative action to strengthen and expand technical education opportunities that align curriculum to the jobs of the future, which is crucial to the success of our students and our economy. This resolution recognizes the importance of technical education and promotes its many benefits.”
More than 32,500 high school students and over 5,000 adults are enrolled in New Jersey’s 21 county vocational-technical school districts. These students benefit from a wide array of career and technical education programs through which they gain valuable preparation for college and the workforce, including industry-recognized credentials, hands-on experience, and college credits.