I’ve seen the good that career and technical education does for our kids as they prepare for the real world. In today’s rapidly changing job market, it’s more important than ever for Maine students to gain relevant and practical skills to prepare for their future careers. Career and technical eduction provides students with hands-on training and practical experience that can help them explore different career options and develop valuable skills that they can use throughout their lives.

Joe Rafferty Courtesy photo

While career and technical education is often associated with high schools and post-secondary education, it’s becoming increasingly clear that middle schools can, and should, play a crucial role in providing hands-on learning opportunities. In fact, middle school is an ideal time to introduce students to career and technical education because it allows students to explore different career paths before making critical decisions about their high school course selections.

That’s why earlier this month I was proud to introduce a bill to expand career and technical education programs to middle schools in Maine. The proposal removes roadblocks and allows for the current Career and Technical Education Centers in Maine to offer their programs to middle schools within their service districts. The way I see it, this proposal is a way to keep students engaged in their learning and equip them with the skills to be successful later on.

The benefit is that it helps students connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world applications. Career and technical education courses can teach students practical skills that they can use in their everyday lives, like financial literacy, problem-solving, teamwork and critical thinking. Additionally, these courses can provide a strong foundation for students who want to pursue specific career paths later in life, giving them a head start on building the skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

Another advantage of career and technical education in middle school is that it can help to address the skills gap that exists in many industries. In many cases, employers struggle to find qualified candidates for skilled jobs because there simply aren’t enough people with the necessary skills. By introducing career and technical education to students at an early age, we can help ensure that they have the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed in these high-demand fields.

Finally, career and technical education can be a powerful tool for addressing issues of equity and access in education. Many students from underserved communities may not have access to the same resources and opportunities as their peers, and career and technical education can help to level the playing field. By providing students with hands-on training and practical experience, we can help them develop the confidence and skills that they need to succeed in whatever career they choose.

In conclusion, career and technical education is a crucial part of preparing students for the workforce of today – and the future. By introducing the opportunities to middle schools, we can help ensure that students have the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed in their chosen careers. From practical skills to addressing issues of equity and access, there are countless benefits to investing in career and technical education at the middle school level. It’s time for educators and policymakers to prioritize it and give students the tools they need to succeed in the 21st-century economy.

Anyone who knows me knows that I have dedicated my life to improving the lives of Maine children and to making Maine a place we can all live and work in. I am confident that expanding the scope of our career and technical education programs to middle schools is a positive step toward that goal.

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Joseph Rafferty is a member of the Maine State Senate representing District 34, Acton, Kennebunk, Lebanon, North Berwick, Wells, and part of Berwick. He can be reached at Joe.Rafferty@legislature.maine.gov or 207-287-1515.