WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and an IBEW union electrician, cheered the unanimous passage of H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The House-passed bill included a provision by Norcross that extends the allowable use of funding for career-building programs.

“Career and technical training is often overlooked and it shouldn’t be. I owe my path to technical training – it’s what took me from Community College to construction work to Congress. In New Jersey alone, nine out of the ten fastest-growing occupations require either a certificate or on-the-job-training,” said Congressman Norcross. “This bill provides more opportunities for students and workers to build important skills – and today the House sent a clear message that these skills matter.”

The bill passed the House Education and Workforce Committee unanimously last month with Norcross’ provision that specifically ensures that students are trained for high-skill, high-wage jobs, using data-driven market information as curriculum. Norcross’s provision also allows for better alignment between college and high school programs, and for more information about educational options to be provided to students.

“I am pleased we all worked together on the Committee to pass this bill and ensure that our career and technical education system will adapt to the needs of emerging industries,” said House Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott. “Rep. Norcross is the only former electrician on the Committee and was able to work on an important section of this bill by bringing his unique personal perspective as someone who received technical training and attended community college. With this bill passing, we are one step closer to helping more Americans enter the workforce with the skills they need to compete for high-skilled, high-wage jobs.”

“All one needs to do is examine the changing job market to understand the importance of career and technical training programs that will lead to meaningful employment for an ever-increasing number of our citizens,” said Don Borden, President, Camden County College. “The provision added by Congressman Norcross, as well as his overall support of the bill, illustrates his understanding of the types of educational programs we need to provide for our students.”

Click here to read full text of H.R. 2353. Rep. Norcross’ provision (section 135) can be found starting on page 83.

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Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov