Article by Staci Stettler, Adult Education Coordinator, LCCTC CTE Month® is a public awareness campaign the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) holds each February to celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across the country. The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of the crucial role that CTEs play in preparing our students for careers and our nation for economic success. The Bureau of Labor & Statistics states that 24 of the 30 fastest-growing occupations are sourced significantly by graduates of post-secondary education and training from a vocational award or academic degree. Additionally, technical training has the potential to make a positive impact on the long-term economic outlook of the community-the unemployment rate for those with a secondary education or technical training is only 4.6%; those with only a high school diploma teeter at nearly 10% (According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
In addition to our traditional, secondary education programs, the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center (LCCTC) equips adults in our community with skills-training programs that lead to increased wages, greater consistency of employment, and higher quality jobs. One way we accomplish that mission is by designing and implementing customized training programs through our business and industry partnerships. The National Skills Coalition states: Middle-skill jobs, which require more than a high school education but less than a four-year degree, currently make up the largest segment of jobs in the U.S. economy. In 2006, about 50 percent of all jobs nationally were classified as middle-skill, but only 44 percent of workers had the education and training required to fill those positions. Some of the businesses that have benefitted from our specialized continuing education programs are Schott North America Inc., The Hershey Company, Valspar Corporation, Lebanon Seaboard, and Bemis North America.
LCCTC, together with HACC, has sponsored and launched an innovative, web-based platform to bring awareness to students (future employees), parents, community members, and local businesses. Careers in Two Years is a valuable resource that helps bridge the gap between employers who are struggling to fill their workforce needs and those within our county who we want to attract, train, and retain as productive, contributing members of our community. Please visit www.careersin2years.com for more information.
In a recent survey of local Lebanon businesses, 57 percent of organizations reported needing increased employment needs in communication skills, adaptation to the workforce, critical thinking, problem-solving, and team-work. Seventy-four percent of manufacturers report that the skills gap has negatively impacted their company’s ability to expand operations. Businesses stand to gain a great deal from strong CTE programs, as these programs provide students with the education and work-based learning they need to equip themselves with the skills necessary to enter the workforce.
In a 2011 survey, 44 percent of PA manufacturers have open jobs due to a mismatch between the skills that job seekers have and those required by the job the company has open. According to the ACTE, “developing a productive and adaptable workforce that is competitive in the global economy is key to American excellence and prosperity.” An important way career and technical education (CTE) programs can achieve this goal is by ensuring that education and business are working together to equip students with the skills vital to careers and employer needs.
The 2016 CTE theme is "Opportunities for Career Success." The Lebanon County Career and Technology Center is excited to partner with our students, our schools, the community and local business and industry to help to provide the information, training, and connections to ensure ample opportunities for future career success for everyone in Lebanon County. Contact LCCTC at (717) 273-8551 for more information about our programs or to discuss developing a custom training program for your company.
