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HOUSE PASSAGE OF PERKINS ACT LEGISLATION AN IMPORTANT STEP IN ADDRESSING GROWING CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE SHORTAGES

Legislation Includes Needed Reforms to Makes it Easier for School Districts to Teach Construction Skills and Improves Employer Engagement

The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement today in response to the passage of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act in the U.S. House of Representatives today:

“House passage of new career and technical education legislation is an important step for creating the kind of programs needed to recruit and prepare students for high-paying careers in construction. The legislation embraces key reforms we have long championed, including allowing school officials to tailor programs to the skills needed by local employers. It also paves the way for more widespread acceptance of industry-recognized credentials, another reform we have long supported.

“The overwhelming bipartisan House support for this much-needed legislation is a clear sign many in Congress understand the need to better align our educational offerings with the needs of employers across the country. The Senate should follow suit in short order and send the bill to the president’s desk for his signature. Enactment of this measure will be a resounding win for students looking for skills that will earn them high-paying jobs, for employers in search of skilled workers, and for U.S. economic growth and job creation.”

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