CTE leaders tell Senate committee limited space and low pay are blocking workforce pipeline

Jocelyn, a representative of the Entrepreneurial Career Center, told the Senate Education Committee that modern career and technical education (CTE) programs are ‘‘rigorous, credential-rich’’ and in high demand but lack physical capacity and sustainable pay for instructors. "This year alone, we turned away more than a 100 qualified applicants," she said, urging lawmakers to consider funding for construction and revenue streams to expand seats and raise compensation.

Why it matters: CTE programs provide industry-recognized credentials, college credit and direct pathways into local jobs in health care and the trades; constrained capacity limits both student opportunity and employers' access to trained workers.

Jocelyn said students gain college credits and workplace readiness through CTE partnerships with employers and community organizations, and that programs often succeed at retaining students because they foster belonging and purpose. She described cases in which students labeled unlikely to succeed later passed national certification exams and secured nursing positions.

Testimony emphasized two related problems: physical capacity and instructor compensation. Jocelyn said the programs are ‘‘turning away’’ candidates due to limited classroom and lab space and that many industry experts accept significant pay cuts to teach, making it difficult to recruit highly qualified instructors in health care and trade fields. She urged investment to make these teaching positions financially sustainable.

The committee acknowledged the testimony and asked clarifying questions about recruitment and partnership models. No vote or specific funding proposal was taken at the hearing; staff and members may follow up with budget or policy options in future sessions.