ACTE Releases Issue Brief Outlining Critical Role CTE Plays in Worker Retraining

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) today released an Issue Brief called, "CTE's Role in Worker Retraining" that describes how career and technical education (CTE) programs play a pivotal role in retraining adults and providing them the skills needed to re-enter the workforce or advance along career pathways. CTE worker retraining programs not only focus on local employment needs, but are also tailored to fit the needs of the adult population.

It is critical that unemployed and underemployed workers have access to education and training in order to develop new skills or update current skills to compete in today's changing economy. Recent numbers by the Bureau of Labor Statistics report that nearly twice as many workers were displaced between January 2007 and December 2009 as in the previous two-year period, and fewer of these displaced workers have been able to secure employment. However, the number of job openings nationally increased by 30 percent between July 2009 and July 2010.

These new employment opportunities usually require knowledge and skills that unemployed workers either don't possess or have not developed because they weren't needed in previous positions. Adults participating in CTE worker retraining programs can earn industry certifications, certificates or degrees through short-term and accelerated programs and flexible learning approaches that allow them to compete in today's workforce.

"Our economy is facing a critical juncture in the recovery process, but unfortunately, many unemployed or underemployed workers lack the skills necessary for the new high-demand jobs that are available," said ACTE Executive Director Jan Bray. "It's important for education leaders and policy makers to recognize that CTE retraining programs are essential to providing adults with the skills and knowledge necessary to assume key roles in the global economy. The Issue Brief provides excellent examples of how area CTE centers and community and technical colleges are developing unique programs to meet the needs of business and industry."

"Maintaining a competitive advantage in today's workplace is hinged on the training and retraining of the workforce. Re-skilling is critical to transforming America's economy," said Gateway Technical College President Bryan Albrecht. "This issue brief describes models that have demonstrated success in connecting careers with worker training and provides engagement strategies that we can all learn from."

To obtain a copy of the paper, please visit ACTE's Web site.

About ACTE

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation's largest not-for-profit education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. It provides advocacy, public awareness and access to information, professional development and tools that enable members to be successful and effective leaders. Founded in 1926, ACTE has more than 27,000 members including teachers, counselors and administrators at the middle school, high school and postsecondary levels.

SOURCE Association for Career and Technical Education