Coons visits Sussex Tech for Career and Technical Education Month

Sen. Chris Coons recognized Career and Technical Education Month with a Feb. 3 visit to Sussex Technical High School in Georgetown. He got a firsthand look at the critical role that career and technical education play in providing the strong workforce training needed to fill good-paying jobs - jobs that are vital to restoring the economic health of the nation.

Sussex Tech serves more than 1,200 full-time students and offers 15 technical career areas, including dental technology, business and finance, auto body and carpentry.

Coons met with two military academy nominees - Maddie Crimmins of Harbeson and Beau Warrington of Milford - and then had lunch with the students. Following lunch, the he toured the campus and got a firsthand look at several technical areas.

“I need to know what my constituents need so that I can make a well-informed decision when it is time to vote on issues,” said Coons. “I came to see the classrooms and technology our schools have. I came to see what it is that Sussex Tech is getting so right at the state and district level.”

“While job creation is critical to Delaware’s economic recovery, it is equally important that we have a well-trained workforce ready, willing and able to do the job,” Coons said. “Schools like Sussex Technical High School are investing in students to help them develop careers and become future leaders.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that middle-skill jobs (jobs that generally require some significant education and training beyond high school but less than a bachelor’s degree) will account for about 45 percent of all job openings projected through 2014. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, CTE strengthens student engagement in school, and helps with transitions from high school to postsecondary education and from education to careers.

“Whether going from high school straight into the workforce, or pursuing a college degree, getting students engaged and keeping them engaged in the educational process is key to helping them find success,” said Coons.

For several months, Coons has been working on legislation designed to improve college preparation, accessibility and completion. Recently, he convened a discussion with more than 20 local leaders on parental involvement, mentoring and overcoming financial barriers.

CTE Month provides CTE programs across the country an opportunity to demonstrate how CTE educates students to be college- and career-ready and prepares them for high-wage, high-demand career fields.