As Chair of the Labor Subcommittee on Emerging Workforces, Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) is co-sponsoring pivotal legislation that would provide students with an opportunity to be better prepared for entrance into the workforce. The bill would establish a new pathway to graduation for New York high school students – a Career and Technical Education (CTE) diploma (A.8189).

“A one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn’t work and creative strategies must be introduced. Our education system needs to adapt to provide students with career preparation and the necessary skills to succeed after graduation,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “The option to earn a Career and Technical Education diploma would diversify educational opportunities to better prepare students for the future.”

A CTE diploma would be an effective means of incorporating the option of learning “middle-skills” into high school curriculum. Too often, high school students who don’t have the means or desire to attend a four-year college are left ill-prepared for the workforce. A CTE diploma would give students the option to replace some electives with technical classes through BOCES, including machining, IT development, manufacturing and health-related training. Core classes would still need to be completed, but by allowing students the opportunity to learn skills in a specific trade, they will receive real-life training before graduation to help them start a meaningful career.

“Integrating the choice of a CTE diploma into our high school curriculum would have endless positive impacts on the community,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “Greater options will result in both increased student engagement and retention, leading to higher graduation rates and greater likelihood of employment. There’s no doubt in my mind that this would be good for our students and good for our local economy.”

Employers hiring for jobs requiring specific, technical skills would find relief in the creation of a CTE diploma, Assemblymember Bronson noted. Candidates with a CTE diploma would have an edge over someone without one. Business owners wouldn’t need to spend money training new employees if they already possess the necessary skills.