Fulfilling the promise of technical high schools

Technical high schools prepare young people for productive careers in manufacturing and other trades.

In turn, the schools provide a distinct competitive advantage to Connecticut”™s employers. In addition to aligning course work with actual, in-demand skills, the schools offer an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Connecticut”™s technical high schools are a unique resource to our young people ”“ students gain a direct connection to careers in an increasingly technology-driven, 21st century economy.

Unfortunately this resource is substantially undervalued and underutilized. Today, despite a lengthy period of high unemployment, there are more than 1,000 advanced-manufacturing job openings in Connecticut.

This disparity is evidence that neglecting technical schools carries consequences for our economy and is why we believe the system must be given a higher policy priority.

Last year, the General Assembly established the Technical High Schools Task Force, charged with studying the finance, management and enrollment structure of the state”™s technical high school system.

The task force is hearing from a diverse group of stakeholders, including the business community. We recommend the following initiatives:

Connecticut should follow the lead of other states and adopt a uniform, nationally recognized skills certification approach in which students attain industry-driven credentials through high school, college and beyond. Further, the state should continue to increase alignment of the technical high schools and community colleges.

Help students gain a competitive edge by modifying state statutes to allow 16- to 18-year-old students access to manufacturing facilities for internships, job shadowing, plant tours and similar educational experiences.

Increase opportunities for students interested in manufacturing and energy careers by working with the Department of Labor to expand the use of apprenticeship programs.

Emphasize student graduate placement in general.

Ensure that curricula meet the dynamic needs of industry by strengthening the use and scope of Trade Technology Advisory Committees (TTACs). Make sure the right TTACs are in the right schools.

Elevate these committees from school-specific to statewide or regional entities.

Standardize curricula by sector/trade.

Investing time, energy, and resources in Connecticut”™s independent technical high school system today will prove vital in securing the state”™s long-term economic health.

Louis Bach specializes in education policies for the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. Reach him at louis.bach@cbia.com.