Summary
High school students in Illinois, led by advocates like Luciana Deir and Angelica Turza, are calling for increased support and funding for career and technical education (CTE) programs. Their advocacy, highlighted during the AMPLIFY Conference, emphasizes the need for equitable opportunities, particularly for women in the trades, as they seek to bridge the gender gap in construction and skilled trades careers.
This push for enhanced CTE programs aligns with ongoing efforts to improve apprenticeship pathways and work-based learning opportunities for students. Notably, recent studies show a rise in apprenticeship numbers since 2019, yet challenges like unpaid internships and gender disparities remain, underscoring the importance of equitable access to these vital career pathways.
Why this matters for apprenticeships
This story highlights the critical role that CTE and apprenticeship programs play in shaping a diverse and skilled workforce. By advocating for more equitable access and support, we can enhance the effectiveness of registered apprenticeship programs, ultimately creating stronger career pathways for all students, especially women and underrepresented groups in the trades.
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