January 25, 2012 -- During CTE Month, CTE programs and CTSOs across the country host a variety of events showcasing their programs and students' successes to their community, policymakers and business leaders. This year's theme is Careers Through Education, emphasizing that CTE creates career pathways and teaches vital employability skills that employers are seeking in a 21st-century workforce.

As the American economy recovers, the role of CTE is critically important. In a recent report "Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements through 2018" published by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, data show that the United States will need at least 4.7 million new workers with postsecondary certificates. Secondary and postsecondary CTE programs both provide a large portion of needed credentials and ensure the American workforce is prepared to fill the evolving needs of business and industry. Overall, the demand for workers with postsecondary education, including associates' degrees and postsecondary certificates that can be obtained through CTE, will jump from 59 percent of all jobs to 63 percent by 2018.