Techniques Nov-Dec 2012 - 12

Capitol View

The Industry Workforce Needs Council: A Valuable Voice for CTE
By Stephen DeWitt EArlIEr ThIS yEAr, ACTE ANNouNCED ThE formATIoN
of the Industry Workforce Needs Council (IWNC). The IWNC is composed of American business leaders who have the common goal of strengthening career and technical education (CTE) in the United States. In partnership with ACTE and other influential educational organizations, the IWNC raises awareness of the importance of CTE in the United States, the benefits it provides for high school and postsecondary students, and the effects CTE has on the economy. The IWNC is working closely with ACTE and our colleagues on CTE public awareness and advocacy issues. Its mission complements ACTE’s priorities, and will help underscore that CTE works and is needed now more than ever as the nation continues to work to rebuild the economy. Business and industry are the engines fueled by the workforce CTE produces. This need has to be communicated and can serve as a strong call to action in the halls of Congress, with state legislators and to local communities. A unified and sustained employer voice will reinforce the need for a strong CTE system throughout the country and, hopefully, result in more pro-CTE policies and an increase in the number of students pursuing CTE pathways. But the IWNC will do more than advocate for CTE. It will also provide important feedback and information to the CTE community regarding employer needs. ACTE’s Preferred Future—the Association’s strategic plan approved by our Board of Directors—includes several components which require business and industry input. The IWNC will help provide that input and the voice which will help link the nation’s skills gap to the value of CTE. Despite all our best efforts, too few individuals and organizations remain that understand and appreciate this link. In order for businesses to succeed, they need an educated, prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce. In today’s educational environment, students graduating from CTE programs not only fit that definition but also are helping businesses meet critical workforce needs. Help us get more business and industry support connected to this council. Ask your local business leaders to join the cause to support CTE.
Stephen DeWitt is senior director of
public policy at ACTE. He can be contacted at sdewitt@acteonline.org.

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You can read more about ACTE’s policy activities and the latest happenings in Washington, DC, on ACTE’s CTE Policy Watch blog. Check it out today at www.acteonline. org/ctepolicywatchblog.aspx.

Techniques

November/December 2012

9/19/2012 10:01:17 AM

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Techniques Nov-Dec 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Techniques Nov-Dec 2012