Lauer, Aaron
(2011)
Governance and Funding Reform for Career and Technical Centers in Pennsylvania.
Technical Report.
UNSPECIFIED.
Abstract
A filled pipeline of skilled workers is critical to a regional economy from two perspectives, both based on the same fact: A skilled workforce is fundamentally local. Companies often will pay to relocate professional staff but not to relocate a skilled worker. Without an ample number of well-trained skilled workers and the next generation of workers in the pipeline, regional companies will be at a competitive disadvantage, and the region also will not be able to attract new businesses. The purpose of training ultimately is to create a skilled worker to fulfill a particular workforce need. Projected workforce demand shows that businesses in Southwestern Pennsylvania will require a large number of skilled workers, the vast majority of whom do not need a four-year college degree. Career and technology education (CTE) is uniquely positioned to meet these workforce challenges with its strengths in technical literacy and hands-on training. However, CTE is not without its challenges. CTCs across the state are faced with underfunding, a difficult learning environment with significantly higher rates of special education students and, in some cases, academic programs that are less rigorous than traditional academic programs. Finally, CTC students in some cases suffer from a lack of work preparation for local workforce demand. Because of its ability to provide basic training for the skilled workforce, expose students early to job opportunities and requirements, and adapt to workforce demand, CTE can satisfy current and future demands for skilled workers. But certain reforms need to take place.
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