In a significant move to address the pressing labor shortage impacting small businesses, Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, led a hearing titled “Career and Technical Education: Developing the Future of Main Street Success.” The session focused on how Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs can serve as a crucial conduit for workforce development, ensuring that small businesses have access to skilled labor.
Chairman Williams emphasized the vital role CTE plays in supplying essential tradespeople, stating, “American small businesses need more plumbers, welders, and carpenters. Career and Technical Education programs play a vital role in supplying the skilled workforce that Main Street relies on.” This assertion highlights the increasing gap in skilled labor and the potential CTE has to fill it.
CTE programs offer a cost-effective solution for students to gain marketable skills without the burden of college debt. Many high schools provide CTE tracks that allow students to graduate with industry-recognized certifications, positioning them for lucrative and stable careers. Dr. Nix, an educator involved in CTE programs, noted, “You can graduate and enter the workforce with a skilled trade that costs you pretty much nothing if you’re coming from public school.”
Efforts to enhance awareness of these pathways have become increasingly critical. The committee explored how educators can better promote CTE options to students and their parents. Dr. Nix suggested that incentivizing participation and increasing parental awareness would be essential to boosting student enrollment in skilled trades.
The hearing also illuminated successful partnerships between educational institutions and small businesses, which are critical for aligning CTE curricula with market needs. Rep. Bresnahan inquired about such collaborations, highlighting their potential in bridging the skills gap. Dr. Gunuskey shared a successful case from Pennsylvania, where Occupational Advisory Committees (OAC) help ensure that CTE programs remain relevant. “Every CTE program must have these committees that meet twice a year with small businesses and industry professionals to provide feedback and ensure we’re hitting the mark,” he said.
The demand for skilled labor is not just a concern for educators; small business owners are feeling the pinch as well. Rep. Stauber brought attention to the staggering 6.5 million job openings nationwide, asking how this shortage affects construction companies, particularly smaller firms. Mr. Gibson explained that due to a lack of available skilled workers, “small to medium-sized firms are now having to be very selective on what they bid, which keeps them from being able to grow their company.” This situation presents a dual challenge: not only does it limit business expansion, but it also places additional stress on the existing workforce.
Small business owners looking to benefit from CTE programs face both opportunities and challenges. While they have the chance to influence curricula and employ skilled graduates, they must also adapt to an often volatile labor market. As the hearing revealed, the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and small businesses cannot be overstated. Establishing ongoing dialogues about community needs and workforce readiness creates a supportive ecosystem for both students and employers.
The implications of this hearing are far-reaching. With the U.S. economy increasingly reliant on skilled trades, small business owners should consider engaging with local CTE programs to influence the training of future employees actively. This collaboration does not just serve individual businesses; it strengthens the entire community by fostering a robust and skilled workforce.
For more insights from the hearing, you can access the full video here and read additional details from the House Small Business Committee here.
