The state Board of Education proposal to shut down two vocational technical schools is outrageous and runs counter to Connecticut’s commitment to advanced manufacturing.
We are expecting tens-of-thousands of new jobs in manufacturing over the next two decades. Our vo-tech schools can train the next generation for these jobs. In short, the state Board of Education’s proposal will harm our economy.
Connecticut is a national leader in advanced manufacturing – we have had recent good news of job growth at Electric Boat (4,000 new jobs), Pratt & Whitney (8,000 new jobs), and last week’s legislative passage of an agreement with Sikorsky’s parent company Lockheed Martin to expand their helicopter building operations here (8,000 new jobs).
In addition, all three companies have hundreds of subcontractors and suppliers throughout Connecticut, which will also result in new hiring. Why on earth would we cut the pipeline for young people to be trained and prepared for these jobs? And what message does it send to employers?
It is ridiculous that the state Board of Education could propose such a vicious cut to such an effective tool. Cutting vo-tech programs and shuttering two schools would prove disastrous and the Governor should shoot down the proposal immediately. We need to step up our investments in vo-tech education, not close them down.
There are currently 17 vo-tech high schools with an enrollment of about 11,200 students statewide. Curricula in 31 occupational careers are offered. Every one of the schools has a waiting list to enroll.
I have personally seen how successful the technical high school system is at teaching and training our students for good paying jobs. When I have visited Platt Tech, I have been incredibly impressed with the practical education students receive. They are ready for college or the workplace when they graduate.
Connecticut has made great strides in manufacturing. With thousands of new manufacturing jobs over the next few years, we are working to ensure that our workforce is ready to meet this rising demand. In the legislature, we have made a commitment to advancing policies that encourage students to consider careers in manufacturing – we have even taken steps to educate middle schoolers about manufacturing and are making sure schools are working directly with employers to determine if educational programs are meeting workforce needs.
Stopping this progress is bad for education and bad for our economy. Vo-Tech schools have had tremendous success in training our students for high-paying jobs in Connecticut that need filling, keeping our young people living and working here at home.
Editor’s Note: This letter to the editor was sent Oct. 6.
