New Partnerships Required To Train 21st Century Workers

Global Corporate Expansion (Jan Bray, Association for Career and Technical Education) - Today's high schools and postsecondary institutions need to do a better job of ensuring students have the ability to apply academic and technical skills to their future careers. To address this issue, it's critical for education and business and industry to build new linkages to prepare students for the 21st century economy through partnerships and customized training programs. Excellent examples of successful business and education collaboration and specialized training programs can be found in career and technical education (CTE) programs.

One of the ways that CTE engages business and industry is through development of programs and curriculum, including new frameworks like career clusters, career pathways, and programs of study. These programs help students receive the latest education and training information in areas most valued by 21st century employers, and help educators understand the rigor and relevance necessary in order to prepare today's CTE students. Without a close relationship with business and industry, CTE programs would find it difficult to stay abreast of today's rapidly changing workplace.

With more than 16 million students taking CTE courses at the secondary and postsecondary levels, the economic impact CTE can have locally, statewide and nationally is enormous. It's critical for education programs and businesses to develop successful partnerships and training programs in order to build a qualified workforce. Through these partnerships, students receive hands-on career-related experiences and better preparation for college, and companies have the opportunity to recruit and retain employees. With these partnerships in place, America can better train future employees and strengthen its position in the global marketplace. Read More