(March 23, 2007) The California Chamber of Commerce was among representatives from business, education, labor, foundations and political leaders who shared perspectives on career technical education (CTE) at the first summit on the topic, convened by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Governor and other summit speakers voiced concern about California’s ability to compete in a global economy and cited CTE as a means to meet the need for an educated workforce while giving students many ways to achieve success.

A high demand for workers is projected for jobs such as carpenters, electricians, nurses, welders and nanotechnology production workers, according to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency.

Suggestions by summit speakers for improving the effectiveness of CTE in California included better coordination among existing programs with similar goals and making sure that CTE programs relate to the types of jobs forecast for the future and industry needs.

“Career technical education programs are an innovative way to battle the state’s increasing high school dropout rate and ensure that California maintains an adequate pool of highly skilled and well-educated graduates ready to fulfill the state’s workforce needs,” said CalChamber policy advocate John Hooper.

“The CalChamber believes helping young people develop the skills necessary to be productive citizens is an essential part of building and maintaining a strong economy, which in turn is essential to business success and social responsibility,” Hooper said.

Staff Contact: John Hooper