Expanding Trades in our Schools

I want to address an issue that I believe is vital to the future of our region: expanding trades and vocational education in our schools.

Our state has a proud history of hard work and skilled labor, yet we face a growing challenge. As industries evolve and the demand for technical skills increases, our educational system must adapt to ensure our students are prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow. Too often, young people in our district graduate without the practical skills needed to secure well-paying jobs in their communities. This is something we can and must change.

Expanding trades and vocational education in our schools is not just an educational priority; it's an economic necessity. By offering students the opportunity to learn trades such as welding, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and other high-demand skills, we can:

1. Provide Pathways to Prosperity: Not every student chooses or is suited for a traditional four-year college path. By expanding trade programs, we can offer alternative routes to success, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a career that suits their interests and talents.

2. Strengthen Our Local Economy: Skilled trades are the backbone of our economy. By investing in vocational training, we can develop a workforce that meets the needs of local businesses, attracts new industries to our region, and fosters entrepreneurship. This will help keep our young people in the area, contributing to the economic growth of our state.

3. Address the Skills Gap: Employers across West Virginia are struggling to find workers with the necessary skills for today’s jobs. By partnering with local businesses and trade unions, our schools can develop curricula that are aligned with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are ready to enter the workforce immediately upon completion of their programs.

4. Promote Economic Mobility: Trades offer stable, well-paying careers that can lift families out of poverty and provide economic security for generations. By expanding access to these opportunities, we can help more families achieve the American Dream.

If elected, I will advocate for increased funding and resources for vocational education programs in our schools. I will work with educators, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to ensure that our students have access to state-of-the-art training facilities, experienced instructors, and real-world learning opportunities.

We owe it to our young people to provide them with the tools they need to succeed, and we owe it to our communities to build a workforce that can drive our economy forward. Expanding trades in our schools is a critical step in that direction.

I invite you to join me in this effort. Together, we can make sure that every student in the 1st District has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in a career that they love.