PHOTOS: Young Encourages Closing Skills Gap Through Apprenticeships and CTE

Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) spoke at an event focused on closing the skills gap in America. Senator Young was joined by his colleagues Senator Coons (D-Del.), Senator Moran (R-Kan.), Senator Brown (D-Ohio), and Indianapolis-based entrepreneur Angie Hicks from ANGI Homeservices Inc. 

 “Most apprenticeship programs have completion rates at 80 percent or better, leading individuals to high-demand, high-wage pathways to employment. Another opportunity to address the skills gap is through career and technical education. These programs should be aligned with the needs in our workforce and should help students receive real-world skills that can be applied to many different fields,” said Senator Young. 

More than 5.7 million workers will be needed through 2020 in non-residential construction. Although, the expected available workforce during this period will only be 4.7 million. This is one example of the growing skills gap that Senator Young is working to address as a co-chair of the Senate CTE Caucus. 

Senator Young delivering the opening remarks at the Addressing the Skills Gap in America Through Apprenticeships event.

Senator Young delivering the opening remarks at the Addressing the Skills Gap in America Through Apprenticeships event.

Angie Hicks, Chief Customer Officer of ANGI Homeservices speaking on the panel at the Addressing the Skills Gap in America Through Apprenticeships event.

Senator Young with Angie Hicks, Chief Customer Officer of ANGI Homeservices.