Lamar Institute of Technology Joins TWC In Recognizing Students for Texas' First Ever CTE Signing Day Ceremony
Date: March. 5, 2019
Media Contact: Lisa Givens
Phone: 512-463-8556
TWC, four college presidents and Rep. James White Celebrate First CTE Signing Day in Texas
AUSTIN ⎯ In recognition of the important role that Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum provides in ensuring a skilled future workforce, today marked the first ever CTE Signing Day in the Lone Star State.
To commemorate the day, State Rep. James White read the CTE Resolution Hearing on the House floor and was joined today by Texas Workforce Commissioners Chair Ruth Hughs, Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez, Commissioner Representing the Public Robert D. Thomas; Lamar Institute of Technology President Dr. Lonnie Howard; Texas State Technical College Senior Vice Chancellor Roger Miller; Cedar Valley College Vice President for Student Development Dr. Lisa Copprue; South Texas College Executive Officer for External Relations Mrs. Wanda Garza; Training Director UA Local 286, Plumbers and Pipefitters Joe Cooper, and parents and students.
The hearing was followed by a CTE Signing Ceremony hosted by Labor Commissioner Julian Alvarez, where four students were each awarded $2,000 scholarships to attend Lamar Institute of Technology. The students will begin programs in advanced engine technology, crime scene technician, business and biology.
“Today’s resolution is just the start to continuing our efforts to bring more students and parents attention to prosperous career options in career and technical education that Texas offers young people,” said Rep. James White.
“Today is a day for us to celebrate these bright young Texans who have demonstrated their commitment to further their education, and have shown they have the work ethic, talent and persistence to achieve a great career,” said TWC Chair and Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “Employers will benefit from their skills as they invest in hiring from this talented workforce.”
Texas CTE Signing Day encourages partnerships and articulation agreements between high schools and community/technical colleges and registered apprenticeship programs. These partnerships allow for college affordability with an emphasis on preparing students, who are the future workforce of Texas, for promising careers.
The resolution also marked Texas CTE Signing Day as an annual event that supports the goals of the Governor’s Tri-Agency initiative by highlighting career and technical education programs as a way to address the skills gap as it relates to in-demand middle skill jobs, and encourage this educational pathway to our Texas students.
“Congratulations to Jaalah, Seth, Savanna and Nicholas for helping to make history on this first Texas CTE Signing Day,” said TWC Labor Commissioner Julian Alvarez. “Your hard work and dedication has already been recognized by our leading Texas industries. Your successful career journey is just beginning, and I want to thank you for sharing this day and for being a wonderful example of what our workforce has to offer.”
“Our state’s diverse economy is proving that there are many paths to a successful career,” said TWC Public Commissioner Robert D. Thomas. “Obtaining an industry recognized credential opens doors to opportunity for individuals across our communities and also provides valuable work experiences from which to build on. I congratulate each of you here today on your success and commitment to your future!”
“The U.S. Department of Labor has identified Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) as being number one in the state of Texas for having student graduates with the highest salary outcomes,” said LIT President Dr. Lonnie Howard. “So, career and technical education has great value and great benefit both in the short term and in the long term. LIT not only produces great students, it produces degrees that work.”
“The Coordinating Board works closely with the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Education Agency to foster innovative career and technical education options that provide opportunities for students who may not have otherwise thought of themselves as college eligible. CTE options support the goals of 60x30TX, providing these students the potential to immediately pursue a high demand career or continue their education and training to further improve their marketable skills,” Commissioner of Higher Education Raymund Paredes said. “Earning college credit while in high school will help students save money and offers them early exposure to the types of environments they’ll encounter either in the postsecondary classroom or in the workplace.”
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The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org. To receive notifications about TWC programs and services subscribe to our email updates.
