House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing explores technical education, career readiness

State Rep. Gerald Mullery (D-Luzerne) recently hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania to discuss promoting technical education and career readiness among students.

The committee held the hearing at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 163 National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) Training Center.

“In order to meet the demands of the jobs of the future, we must help students to learn what skills and training will be needed for those jobs,” Rep. Mullery, democratic chairman of the House Education Subcommittee on Career and Technical Education, said. “Everyone isn’t suited for a four-year college degree and that’s good because every good-paying job doesn’t require one.”

The hearing included testimony from Allyson Knox, director of education policy and programs at Microsoft; Carrie Amann, deputy secretary of policy and planning for the Office of Gov. Tom Wolf; and Jeanne Miller, co-lead of the Carbon, Schuylkill, Luzerne STEM Ecosystem.

State representatives from across the commonwealth participated in the hearing, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster).

“Continuing the discussion on CTE programs helps legislators to keep up with evolving workforce demands and industry requirements,” Rep. Sturla said. “I believe we’re on the right track and I thank Representative Mullery for his leadership on this issue.”

The meeting is one in a series being held across the state on the House Democrats’ Plan4PA.