As the first overhaul since 2006 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, aimed at providing Americans the needed skills for in-demand jobs.

Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., one of the eight bipartisan sponsors of the bill, released a statement that said that due to the thousands of unfilled jobs in skilled trades and other sectors, "it is vital that we invest in career and technical education (CTE)."

"This legislation aligns CTE programs with industry needs, improves collaboration among community stakeholders, promotes work-based learning, and supports career counselors, all while strengthening federal investment in CTE," says Rep. Langevin.

Specifically, the legislation will: deliver states more flexibility to use federal resources to meet the demands of their changing education and economic needs; simplify the process for states to apply for those resources; direct federal resources to proven best practices; be made available to all students including disadvantaged and vulnerable ones; build better community partnerships; encourage employers to get involved; focus on employability skills, work-based learning opportunities, and meaningful credentialing; streamline performance measures; give all stakeholders a voice in setting performance goals and evaluating the effectiveness of state and local programs.