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Houston, Texasa city known for its dynamic energy sector and diversified economyis currently grappling with an increasing demand for skilled workers. A study by Rice University’s Kinder Institute highlights how career and technical education CTE can be pivotal in addressing this skills gap.
In a rapidly evolving job market where employment is estimated to grow by 18.3 by 2030, Texas faces the challenge of ensuring its workforce has adequate education or trning for these roles. It's noteworthy that approximately two-thirds of jobs are projected to require at least some postsecondary education in the next decade, but many of them fall under middle-skill positionsjobs that necessitate more knowledge and skills than a high school diploma, yet less than a bachelor's degree.
Houston has shown evidence of an above-average demand for this skilled segment. To mntn its economic momentum, it’s crucial to boost awareness and trning opportunities in these careers. Public-private initiatives have sprung up recently with the m of equipping Texas graduates with more job-ready skills, especially in underserved communities as part of plans like Houston Complete Communities.
One potential avenue for Greater Houston businesses is investing directly into local high school CTE programs. Texas schools started emphasizing CTE education since 2013, when legislation prioritized vocational trning in secondary curricula. Traditionally focused on trades and vocational skills, these programs now offer a broader skill set with courses ranging from information technology to finance and healthcare.
CTE not only prepares students for college but also provides direct pathways into the workforce, as indicated by data from Rice University’s Kinder Institute Houston Education Research Consortium HERC. The study finds that graduates who participated in CTE programs have higher employment rates and earnings potential. Even those choosing postsecondary education after high school benefit significantly.
Moreover, it's observed that graduates with skills honed through CTE programs can transition into the workforce more efficiently. For instance, a student from an information technology program could complete an IT boot camp sponsored by their employer to advance their knowledge.
These findings underscore the advantages of CTE for both students and businesses. By investing in these programs, companies contribute to closing skills gaps, aligning education with industry needs, and enhancing economic opportunities for young Houstonians. Building strong partnerships between industries, schools, and community organizations is key to ensuring that students are well-prepared for both higher education and careers.
Supporting CTE initiatives can lead to positive outcomes for everyone involvedstudents who gn valuable skills, businesses that secure a steady pipeline of talent, and the city as a whole which benefits from a robust workforce.
For further insight on these programs and their impact:
Explore Newcomer Schools in Houston ISDURL for detled analysis on English learner students
Join our upcoming webinar titled “Career and Technical Education: Preparing Students for College and Workforce SuccessWebinar Title
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