The legislative budget process is about to begin, and one of the issues I'm excited to discuss with colleagues from the Chippewa Valley is how to move the needle on addressing our workforce crisis. This is a critical issue in our state that must be addressed because it affects nearly every aspect of our lives. One way we can accomplish this is to ensure that students graduating from our schools and adults looking to reskill have access to the training they require. That is why February is designated as "Career and Technical Education Month" each year.
This month is dedicated to raising awareness of the fantastic technical education system that residents of our state have access to. There are numerous benefits to pursuing an educational career at a Technical College, such as earning an industry-recognized credential while also working and earning wages in the same field. The Chippewa Valley Technical College system professionally serves the 93rd Assembly District. It has 5 campus locations in our area, serves over 7,500 students per year, and offers students 120 different programs, 37 certificates, and 15 registered apprenticeship options.
The benefits of obtaining a technical education are self-evident. According to the most recent 2021 graduate outcomes report for Wisconsin, 93% of graduates were employed within six months of graduation, and 92% plan to relocate or work in our state. Furthermore, the median salary for all graduates six months after graduation was $46,739, with many fields averaging more than $50,000.
With students participating in our state's technical education system earlier, I hope that we can assist them in achieving the career that they desire while also remaining, working, and raising a family in our great state of Wisconsin. I am excited to continue promoting the success of our Technical College system in Wisconsin. If you want to learn more about the local offerings, you can go to Chippewa Valley Technical College's website at www.cvtc.edu.
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