Warminster, Pa—Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) visited Prime Sheet Metal, Inc. in Warminster, PA to discuss the current skills gap and workforce development initiatives with local labor leaders.

There are 6.5 million unfilled jobs because employers simply cannot find workers with the necessary skills and training for the job, even as millions of American seek careers that will help secure their families a place in the middle class.

The bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act was just signed into law. The bill reauthorizes and modernizes the American career, technical, and vocational education system for the first time since 2006.

Among many important changes to skills-based education and training nationwide, this legislation increases funding for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Program by up to $1.3 billion annually, providing high school and post-secondary students with on-the-job training in fields such as cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. It also requires educators to work with local businesses to ensure middle school, high school, and post-secondary courses prepare students for in-demand jobs in their community.

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