P.L. 2019, jr.033 (AJR180)

A Joint Resolution designating the month of February each year as “Career and Technical Education Month” in New Jersey.

Whereas, The month of February 2018 was celebrated nationally as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month; and

Whereas, Career and technical education programs in the 21st century link rigorous academics, technical knowledge, real-world experiences, and college-level learning to help students develop career-ready skills and prepare them for post-secondary education with a clear career focus; and

Whereas, New Jersey employers recognize that career and technical education programs provide clear career pathways for students, develop a strong pipeline of well-prepared future employees, and ultimately strengthen the Garden State’s economy; and

Whereas, More than 32,500 high school students and over 5,000 adults are enrolled in New Jersey’s 21 county vocational-technical school districts. These students benefit from a wide array of career and technical education programs through which they gain valuable preparation for college and the workforce, including industry-recognized credentials, hands-on experience, and college credits; and

Whereas, The Legislature has demonstrated strong support for career and technical education by approving a package of legislation to increase the focus on career readiness, expand technical education opportunities, approve new funding for innovative high school CTE programs, and restore adult programs; and

Whereas, The State’s business community has demonstrated its support through the New Jersey Employer Coalition for Technical Education, which seeks to promote CTE, encourage employer involvement with technical schools, shrink the skills gap, and ensure the State’s continued economic prosperity; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper that the Legislature and the people of New Jersey celebrate the month of February each year as “Career and Technical Education Month” to recognize and promote the many benefits of CTE in this State; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of February in each year is designated as “Career and Technical Education Month” in New Jersey in order to recognize and promote the many benefits of career and technical education in this State.

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon students, parents, and other citizens of the State to learn more about career and technical education, county vocational-technical school programs, and well-paying career pathways that can be launched with an industry credential or a technical degree. The proclamation shall also call upon New Jersey employers to become active partners with county vocational-technical schools to align curriculum with their workforce needs and provide meaningful work-based learning opportunities to students.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates the month of February each year as “Career and Technical Education Month” in New Jersey in order to recognize and promote the many benefits of career and technical education in this State. The joint resolution requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling upon students, parents, and other citizens of the State to learn more about career and technical education, county vocational-technical school programs, and well-paying career pathways that can be launched with an industry credential or a technical degree. The proclamation will also call upon New Jersey employers to become active partners with county vocational-technical schools to align curriculum with their workforce needs and provide meaningful work-based learning opportunities to students.

Designates February in each year as “Career and Technical Education Month” in New Jersey.