Career and technical education (CTE) programs are vital to overcoming the skills gap. For this reason, the Association for Talent Development joined more than 300 other organizations in urging the U.S. Congress to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.

 ATD, along with the other signatories, suggest that a reauthorized Perkins Act should:

• align CTE programs to the needs of the regional, state, and local labor market

• support effective and meaningful collaboration between secondary and postsecondary institutions and employers

• increase student participation in experiential learning opportunities such as industry internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships

•  promote the use of industry-recognized credentials.

Including these improvements in the new legislation benefits students and employers.

Read the full letter.