Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled a new career and technical education initiative as part of his 2018-19 state budget proposal.

Career and technical education is a pathway from great public schools to great jobs in all kinds of high-skill professions. Gov. Wolf’s new initiative is aimed at increasing the capacity of these programs so they can serve even more Pennsylvania students, workers, and businesses.

This significant new investment in career and technical education will "help make Pennsylvania a better place to learn, a better place to work – and a better place to do business," the governor said in a speech to the General Assembly.

“Gov. Wolf’s plan to invest in career and technical education and connect students to good-paying jobs is a home run," said PSEA President Dolores McCracken. "Now more than ever, businesses are looking for students with technical skills – and they’re willing to hire these well-trained kids right away. That’s why these kinds of programs have always been a good investment."

Career and technical education initiative

Gov. Wolf has proposed a $60 million increase in funding to the departments of Education and Labor and Industry.

• $10 million increase in the career and technical education subsidy.
• $25 million to deliver new computer science education programs in K-12 and postsecondary education.
• $10 million to promote career pathways.
• $5 million to promote employer engagement in postsecondary education.
• $10 million to grow apprenticeships and support industry partnerships with workforce and economic development programs.

"Developing a workforce that can compete and win in the 21st-century economy is the single best way to help Pennsylvania businesses grow – and attract new businesses to our commonwealth," Gov. Wolf said. "It’s also the single best thing we can do to help more of our people find better jobs – not just tomorrow, but today."

You can help

Gov. Wolf has made career and technical education a priority because he’s heard – and seen firsthand – what a difference programs like this can make.

You can help make a difference by letting your legislators know that career and technical education is a good investment – and encourage them to support Gov. Wolf’s proposal.

Learn more about the governor's 2018-19 budget proposal.