Both U.S. Representative Marie Grusenkamp Perez and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg looked stunned at the project completed by students at Vancouver's Cascadia Tech Academy.
Engineering students operated laser cutters on computers, while other students cut materials on manual lathes and drill presses. Construction students stand proudly behind a scale model of the home they designed and will soon complete as their final project. Culinary Arts students also shared mouth-watering dishes combining fruits, meats, cheeses and more.
“I can see why the members really wanted me to come here and look at this,” Buttigieg said.
Mr. Perez and Mr. Buttigieg visited Cascadia Technical College on Monday afternoon to highlight local career paths in the skilled trades. They spoke with students who may end up working on projects funded by bipartisan infrastructure legislation, such as the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
Strengthening career and technical education programs is a priority for Perez, a Democrat from Skamania. She introduced multiple bills in Congress aimed at increasing awareness of trade education programs. She wants to encourage more young people to pursue skilled trade paths and understand the financial obligations of a four-year degree.
“(Trade) is a uniquely American asset and our identity,” Perez said. “To elevate it again and have pride and seriousness about it, that’s how we build projects that last.”
She said she wanted to bring Mr. Buttigieg to Cascadia Polytechnic Institute to show voters “how seriously we take people like the secretary.”
“It's one thing to talk about workforce readiness, it's another thing to hear directly from young people about their aspirations and what it means to be in this job,” Buttigieg said in an interview with The Columbian. Ta. “The strength and vitality of America's infrastructure, and by extension the American economy, depends in large part on the skills, preparation, and motivation of the young people who will be going out into the workforce and actually building things over the next decade.” It's no exaggeration to say that projects like this do happen. ”
Speaking to students, Buttigieg said more infrastructure projects are currently underway than in recent decades.
“We're competing nationally to make sure we have enough steel and concrete, but most importantly, to make sure we have enough people in the skilled trades,” he said. .
He said programs like Cascadia Tech were what the Biden administration had in mind as it pushed through its infrastructure bill.
“We know we're going to need these kinds of skills, these kinds of talent, and we're creating all the good-paying jobs that are the foundation for families to build generational wealth. '' Buttigieg said. “This is where it all comes together.”
Interest in skilled trades has declined in recent years. NPR reports that application rates for technical jobs like plumbers and electricians fell by 49% between 2020 and 2022. According to Construction Dive, the construction industry is facing a shortage of 500,000 workers.
Perez and Buttigieg say a cultural reset is needed to increase interest in trading.
“Culturally, this country has some work to do, and we've clearly cracked the code here at Cascadia Tech,” Buttigieg said. “What I'll remember most is how proud these young men are and how tall they stand. And part of the reason we're here is that America We want to celebrate their work, these skills, and their choices.”
After the tour, Mr. Perez and Mr. Buttigieg visited the North American Federation of Labor Local 335 and spoke with members of several local unions. On Tuesday morning, they plan to visit the Interstate 5 bridge and speak with local businesses and residents.
