CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
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MADISON – Governor Walker has proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Wisconsin, highlighting the state’s investments in CTE programming and the important role that CTE courses play in preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s career opportunities. Throughout the month, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and our statewide and regional partners will highlight the successes made possible by robust CTE programming and the important role that DWD programs like Youth Apprenticeship play in preparing the state’s workforce.
“According to the Association of Career and Technical Education, taking one CTE class for every two academic classes minimizes the risk of students dropping out of high school, and the average graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 93 percent,” DWD Secretary Ray Allen said. “By increasing courses offerings and exposing our youth to programs that provide them with these fundamental skills while in high school, we are increasing their likelihood of achieving student success, and succeeding in their future career.”
Building off strong CTE program investments made by Governor Walker including Academic and Career Planning, increased funding and enrollment in the state’s Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program, “bridging” the state’s YA and Registered Apprenticeship programs, and CTE Incentive Grants designed to promote and increase high-quality high school CTE course offerings to help mitigate workforce shortages, Governor Walker recently announced his $20 million Career Creator Plan to support the long-term workforce development needs for the state of Wisconsin. The plan includes significant investment in CTE inspired programming, including the Flexible Technical College Funds which provides the Wisconsin Technical College System with $2 million to maximize workforce participation by helping recruit, retain and successfully credential some of the hardest to serve populations and the Upskill Initiative, which provides DWD with $6 million to fund innovative workforce development programs including the development of Sector Centers and implementing Middle School Youth Apprenticeship.
Wisconsin Career Creator was developed by DWD and has support of the Wisconsin Technical College System, the University of Wisconsin System and the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, demonstrating a strong, cohesive approach amongst workforce and education officials to prepare today’s talent for the opportunities available now and in the future.
