AJR197

A Joint Resolution declaring the last Wednesday in October of each year as “Vocational Training Day” in New Jersey.

Whereas, Vocational training, also known as career and technical education, provides hands-on instruction, laboratory experience, and industry-recognized credentials that prepare students for skilled occupations, and many such programs can be completed in a matter of months rather than years; and

Whereas, Vocational training programs in this State prepare students for careers in automotive, aviation, diesel, and collision repair technology; welding and precision machining; heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration; electrical and electronic systems technology; computer networking, cybersecurity, and information technology; the skilled health sciences, including medical assisting, dental assisting, and practical nursing; business administration, accounting, and office management; and the culinary arts, hotel and restaurant management, and hospitality and tourism; and

Whereas, Tens of thousands of vocational training program graduates are employed in these occupations, which are essential to the daily functioning of the State's economy and to the well-being of its residents, helping to keep vehicles and equipment running, buildings heated and cooled, homes and businesses wired, networks secured, patients cared for, and guests welcomed and served; and

Whereas, Employers throughout New Jersey report persistent shortages of skilled technicians, tradespeople, and other credentialed workers, and these unfilled positions constrain economic growth, raise costs for consumers, and delay critical infrastructure, construction, transportation, health care, and hospitality services; and

Whereas, Vocational training offers a direct, affordable, and proven pathway to a rewarding career by equipping students with robust skills that are resilient in the face of economic change and allowing students to enter the workforce and begin earning wages sooner; and

Whereas, The credentials and licensures earned through vocational training are portable and durable, and graduates of these programs frequently advance into supervisory and management roles, become instructors who train the next generation of skilled workers, or launch small businesses of their own that employ other New Jersey residents; and

Whereas, Notwithstanding these opportunities, many students, parents, and school counselors remain unaware of the vocational pathways available to them, and outdated perceptions continue to undervalue skilled careers and the institutions that prepare students to enter them; and

Whereas, Declaring the last Wednesday in October of each year as “Vocational Training Day” in New Jersey will bring greater attention to the value of vocational training, honor the students, instructors, and employers who sustain it, and encourage more residents of this State to consider the many rewarding careers that vocational training makes possible; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The last Wednesday in October of each year is designated as “Vocational Training Day” in New Jersey to acknowledge the value of vocational training, honor the students, instructors, and employers who sustain it, and encourage more residents of this State to consider the many rewarding careers that vocational training makes possible.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe “Vocational Training Day” with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates the last Wednesday in October of each year as “Vocational Training Day” in New Jersey. Vocational training, also known as career and technical education, prepares students for skilled occupations through hands-on instruction and industry-recognized credentials, often in a matter of months rather than years.

Vocational programs in this State train students for careers in automotive, diesel, and collision repair technology; welding and precision machining; heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration; electrical and electronic systems technology; computer networking, cybersecurity, and information technology; the skilled health sciences; business administration, accounting, and office management; and the culinary arts, hotel and restaurant management, and hospitality and tourism. These pathways allow students to enter the workforce sooner and with substantially less debt than a four-year degree requires, while addressing persistent shortages of skilled workers reported by employers across the State. Designating the last Wednesday in October as “Vocational Training Day” will raise awareness of these opportunities and honor the students, instructors, and employers who sustain them.