CTE Investments Essential to Addressing Workforce Shortages

Legislators took testimony this week on the funding and governance concerns that have long restricted the ability to engage more students in Career and Technical Education (CTE). With 70% of the jobs in Vermont not requiring a college degree, the Vermont Chamber sent a letter to key committees advocating for solutions to improve student access to CTE programs to train the next generation of workers for the most in-demand careers.  

Vermont’s workforce shortage is felt most acutely in the trades, where there are too few plumbers, electricians, CDL drivers, and other skilled professionals to meet the demand for services. The need for further investment in CTE programming is underscored by the fact that CTE students are the most likely population to stay in Vermont after completing their education and build long-term careers in their communities.