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Strategy 8: Connecting CTE to Employers and Workforce Priorities
The Perkins Act:
A newly stated purpose of the Perkins Act is “providing individuals with opportunities throughout their lifetimes to develop, in conjunction with other education and training programs, the knowledge and skills needed to keep the United States competitive.”
In this purpose, Congress drew a careful balance helping individuals grow and advance in their areas of interest and aptitudes, but also making sure that available programs are focused on those that help keep the United States competitive.
Also, throughout the Act, there are multiple references to preparing students for jobs that are “high skill, high-wage, or high-demand” in “current or emerging occupational areas.”
The Colorado Plan:
A number of strategies are being implemented to continuously strengthen the connection between CTE and employers, with a focus on occupations that are high-skill , high-wage , or high-demand.
CCCS has organized “Discipline Teams” to review curriculum and program content in each of the industry sectors and Career Clusters. These discipline teams will interact with other state-level Career Sector advisory councils such as Colorado Nursing Associations, and the American Welding Society to ensure that curriculum is valid and applies to the specific field.
CCCS is exploring viable workforce data system options. The use of accurate data will strengthen the existing program approval standard of implementing programs that meet workforce demands. CCCS is developing and strengthening state-level business and industry focus groups and Plans of Study Advisory Councils to provide advice about emerging career areas. For local program approval, CCCS mandates local business and industry advisory committee review of programs to help assure modernization of technology and curriculum.