Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris, Somerset) and Senator Robert Singer (R-Ocean, Monmouth) examined the role of vocational-technical schools and technical programs of study on industry in New Jersey during a meeting of the bipartisan Legislative Manufacturing Caucus at the County College of Morris today.

“The Legislative Manufacturing Caucus chose to come to our area today to learn how Morris County, the County College of Morris, and our county vo-tech schools effectively coordinate to develop a quality workforce that creates job opportunities for residents and encourages economic development in the region,” said Bucco. “We learned that there’s a great demand for technical skills from employers, and a need to further expand the successful programs we already have to increase our capacity to train students for highly paid jobs that are waiting to be filled.”

Singer said the testimony made clear that the New Jersey’s economic growth can be accelerated and more students can avoid being saddled with student loan debt if we expand our focus on technical education.

“It’s clear that employers in highly technical industries are struggling to find qualified candidates to fill important positions, and they’ll pay highly for young graduates with the right skills,” said Singer. “By further promoting and expanding technical education in New Jersey, we can better align students with the current needs of the economy, improve the finances and pay of graduates, and create a magnet for companies in wide range of high-tech industries.”