SkillsUSA Unveils Bold Agenda to Supercharge America’s Skilled Workforce

SkillsUSA:
Clare Briner
cbriner@skillsusa.org

National CTE leader urges lawmakers to fund hands-on learning, expand access and fuel the next generation of skilled talent.

This week, SkillsUSA released its first legislative priorities for Congress, urging policymakers to champion policies that expand opportunity through high-quality career and technical education (CTE). These priorities reflect SkillsUSA’s commitment to equipping students with the real-world skills, confidence, and hands-on experience they need to thrive in today’s fast-evolving economy.

“Whether students are just beginning their education or returning to the classroom to re-skill or upskill, CTE prepares learners for the jobs that power our communities and shape our nation’s future,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “Federal policy plays a critical role in ensuring every learner can lead, create, and contribute through CTE.” SkillsUSA’s legislative recommendations focus on five thematic areas:

1. Invest in the Nation’s CTE Infrastructure

SkillsUSA calls on Congress to increase the federal investment in CTE made via the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) to support the growing demand for skilled workers. Specific recommendations include:

• Increase Perkins V Basic State Grant funding to strengthen hands-on training, work-based learning and credential attainment.
• Enhance investments in CTE systems that connect learners with dynamic industries across diverse geographical areas and communities.
• Support innovation in CTE that addresses new and emerging workforce demands driven by AI and rapid technological change.

2. Protect and Support the Role of CTE in Public Education

CTE remains a critical component of the public education system. SkillsUSA urges Congress to:

• Maintain strong support for public schools and institutions delivering CTE.
• Oppose efforts to divert funding and weaken public education’s ability to provide CTE programming.
• Keep federal CTE investments focused on high-impact CTE efforts and initiatives.

3. Improve Access to CTE for Postsecondary Learners

Recognizing the changing landscape of higher education, SkillsUSA advocates for Congress to:

• Expand Pell Grant eligibility to include quality, shorter-term CTE programs aligned with workforce needs.
• Ensure these programs lead to credentials with proven value in the labor market.
• Invest in institutions like community and technical colleges and area technical centers that are essential to economic growth.

4. Strengthen CTE’s Connection to Workforce Development Systems

As Congress considers updates to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the National Apprenticeship Act (NAA), SkillsUSA recommends that Congress:

• Promote alignment and coordination between Perkins V and WIOA.
• Improve access to wraparound services that support and promote learner and worker success.
• Standardize definitions and quality benchmarks for youth and registered apprenticeship programs.

5. Grow the Pipeline of Skilled CTE Instructors

To ensure a sustainable future for CTE programs, SkillsUSA urges Congress to:

• Enact policies that make teaching an attractive career path for skilled professionals.
• Expand CTE-specific professional development opportunities.
• Support licensure reciprocity to allow greater instructor mobility across states.

SkillsUSA believes that by advancing these priorities, Congress can help create a stronger, more resilient workforce prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Download the SkillsUSA Legislative Priorities.

For more information about SkillsUSA and how to get involved in our efforts to close the skills gap, visit www.skillsusa.org.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 442,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.