Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is joining Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi in support of the 21st Century Education Initiative, which would create a Career and Technical Education (CTE) diploma that would bear the same status as a traditional Regents Diploma. This high school degree overhaul is designed to increase graduation rates while teaching students marketable manufacturing and technical skills for the new economy.

“The 21st Century Education Initiative encourages our young people to pursue educational paths that will teach them marketable technical skills, which our new economy requires,” said Blankenbush. “This bi-partisan effort will help increase graduation rates and prepare more of our young people to successfully compete for jobs in the 21st Century.”

Employers, especially in manufacturing and hi-tech manufacturing, have expressed concerns about the limited pool of skilled workers. Technical skills like welding, machining, plumbing and electrical work are highly marketable due to the abundance of jobs in these fields. According to employers throughout the North Country and the Mohawk Valley, the jobs are there, but there aren’t enough qualified workers to fill the positions.

This bi-partisan initiative is gaining support among educators, employers and business groups. The assemblymen believe CTE diplomas will give New York students a competitive edge in the job market.

“We have to rethink how we prepare our kids for the workforce, and technical career paths must be included in these discussions. It’s high time we remove the old stigmas that have led many of our kids down a path to heavy debt and limited job prospects. I am excited by the opportunities the 21st Century Education Initiative will provide our kids, and I’m proud to partner with Assemblyman Brindisi on this critical issue,” concluded Blankenbush.