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INTRODUCED
June 21, 2001
H. 4304
S. Printed 6/21/01--H.
Read the first time June 21, 2001.
TO DESIGNATE THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 11-15, 2002, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION WEEK".
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. The General Assembly finds:
(1) South Carolina has been recognized nationally for its technical and vocational institutions for high school students. Yet, year after year these programs have numerous vacancies. Each vacancy could be another child left behind, an opportunity that gets away, a child not given the chance to reach his or her full potential, or even a child who ultimately drops out of high school.
(2) Vocational education provides an avenue for students to learn a skill or trade in high school that will be useful not only to themselves but to society as a whole. Some students learn better hands-on, and sitting in a classroom each day only adds to their frustration and sense of disillusion with the educational system. Practical experience may enhance a student's desire to learn and succeed.
(3) Students should know and be told that many of these skilled labor positions pay quite well, much more than one would make otherwise after completing high school with no additional training.
(4) With successful vocational programs, students are not the only ones who benefit. South Carolina would be more attractive to prospective new industry and expansions with a strong career and technology program. Industries that move to South Carolina would be able to hire local citizens. Having skilled people available would help recruit business to our state and in turn lessen the cost of training to the new employers. Everybody wins - the business benefits from our workforce and the citizens of this State benefit from more job opportunities.
(5) The twenty-first century creates many challenges and opportunities for students who are following the career and technical education pathway.
(6) South Carolina has ninety-three thousand students in grades 9-12 enrolled in career and technology courses and programs out of a total of one hundred eighty-six thousand secondary students.
(7) Education must adjust to the new academic and technical demands of a high tech and high wage workforce in a global economy.
(8) To meet the demands of the new technical workforce, secondary educators must partner with employers, community agencies, and post secondary education to accomplish the task of preparing students to enter the workplace and postsecondary education and be successful.
(9) There is anticipated a shortage of workers during the next five years. Students who enter the workforce within two years of high school graduation must possess both the academic and technical skills to compete in the brain-based and application-driven work environment.
(10) Career and technology education provides opportunities for teachers and students to link school-based learning with work-based experiences. School-to-work opportunities provide students the opportunity for worksite learning, and employer partners are critical to assist schools in providing connecting activities.
SECTION 2. The week of February 11-15, 2002, is designated as "South Carolina Career and Technology Education Week".
SECTION 3. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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