Despite an economic downturn that is highlighted by the worst job market in years, there still remains a skills gap that must be addressed if America is to remain globally competitive, according to a panel convened by ACTE on Sept. 15 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.  Representatives from the National Association of Manufacturing, SkillsUSA-VICA and ACTE President Thomas Applegate stated that

There seems to be some glimmer of a turnaround in public perception of CTE, according to Mark Clemons, ACTE’s 2003 Teacher of The Year. Clemons said that in his home state of Oklahoma, where he teaches at the Canadian Valley Technology Center in El Reno, there has been an increase in enrollment at both the secondary and adult levels in 2003 with many programs having a waiting list. While the increase in adult enrollment can be attributed to the economy, in a state that has been particularly hit with massive layoffs, the increase in secondary enrollment can be seen as an indication that students are now assessing the true value of CTE job opportunities for themselves, in spite of the outmoded notions harbored by their parents. Clemons said that a broad range of jobs are now available for graduates of the Canadian Valley Technology Center, and job placement is high. He added that many students also choose to pursue post-secondary CTE credentials upon completion of study at the center.