SUPPORT EXPANSION OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION COURSES

WHEREAS, the American Society of Civil Engineers has estimated that the United States will need to invest more than $3.6 trillion in infrastructure to rebuild, rehabilitate and repair our nation’s schools, public parks, roads, bridges, dams, transit systems, drinking water systems and other basic foundations of this nation’s prosperity and health by the year 2020; and

WHEREAS, there is an obvious need to rebuild, rehabilitate and repair entire communities that are blighted with dilapidated, unsafe, unused and outdated structures; and

WHEREAS, as the American workforce ages out, there is currently a resurgence in manufacturing, cuisine, transportation, healthcare, advanced computer technology and other fields, and a need to train replacements; and

WHEREAS, career and technical education, which includes the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts/design and math) fields, not only prepares our students for today’s and tomorrow’s workforce but is an essential determinant in the economic development in our cities, states and nation; and

WHEREAS, career and technical education provides Americans with a school-to-careers connection and is the backbone of a strong, well-educated workforce, which fosters productivity in business and industry and contributes to America’s leadership in the international marketplace; and

WHEREAS, career and technical education gives high school students experience in practical, meaningful applications of skills such as reading, writing and mathematics, thus improving the quality of their education, motivating potential dropouts and giving all students leadership opportunities in their fields and in their communities, and CTE offers individuals lifelong opportunities to learn new skills that will provide them with career choices and potential satisfaction; and

WHEREAS, a large percentage of students do not have the desire to attend college but are better served by a postsecondary education that prepares them for a productive and satisfying career without a traditional college education:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers, including its locals and affiliated organizations, support and will advocate for the development, implementation and restoration of elementary school, middle school and high school exploration programs linked to career and technical education programs of study in school districts across the United States, including creating pre-apprenticeship programs in our schools in partnership with our local union apprenticeship programs and union leaders; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT and its locals will support the expansion of CTE programs across the country to reflect and keep pace with the changing job market and future career demands.