Governor Greg Abbott has thrown the spotlight on Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Texas, celebrating a month dedicated to the diverse array of job training programs that help students to secure high-wage roles in hundreds of different areas, according to a recent statement. Abbott cited the booming Texas economy as a byproduct of an expertly trained workforce and emphasized the importance of investing in tomorrow's workforce to continue strengthening the state.
"The Texas economy is booming thanks to our diverse and highly skilled workforce," Governor Abbott enunciated, highlighting the success story of 18-year-old Raya Rabold. She's an alumna of Jarrell High School's welding program and continued her education at Texas State Technical College, where her welding pieces have been featured on the TV show 'Yellowstone.' Now, with ambitions of becoming a welding inspector, she could earn up to $85,000 annually. "As we celebrate Career and Technical Education Month in Texas, we recognize students like Raya who are forging their own path in the better job and bigger paycheck opportunities that we provide in our great state," Abbott proudly stated, as reported by the Governor's Office.
With Governor Abbott declaring the expansion of career training a legislative emergency item, the acknowledgment of CTE's impact comes alongside initiatives such as Texas Career Signing Day, a program highlighting the transition of high school graduates directly into in-demand jobs, as the governor announced earlier this month. This initiative is part of TWC's effort to ease students' transition to the workforce, offering resources for CTE counselors and promoting collaboration between schools, colleges, and apprenticeship programs.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has committed support to CTE programs by way of initiatives including the Dual Credit Program and the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program, it's not just about programs, but also providing students with Labor Market Information to guide their career choices with Workforce Solutions career coaches lending their expertise in local schools. With the aim to kindle interest in different career paths, the 28 Workforce Development Boards across Texas organize career exploration events and Texans looking for more information on local CTE offerings and events can seek out their nearest Workforce Solutions office through the TWC website.
