Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) has co-sponsored new, bipartisan legislation crafted by State Sen. David J. Valesky and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi that would create a specialized technical diploma through the New York State Board of Regents.

The legislation, known as “The 21st Century Education Initiative,” would create a new educational track culminating in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) diploma. This program would prepare students to fill available jobs in New York State’s burgeoning high-tech and manufacturing sectors.

“I am pleased to join my colleagues from across the aisle in support of this legislation. This common-sense measure will give students the skills to meet the growing needs of employers in the manufacturing and technical career fields. It is imperative that we find innovative ways for students to develop the skills to be competitive in the new, global economy.”

The initiative will allow high school students to continue their apprenticeships after graduation. They may also choose to attend a college, university or technical institution for additional training.

The proposal has generated statewide support.

“The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber strongly supports policies, practices and programs to enhance vocational and technical skills. It’s incumbent that our region’s youth graduate from high school so that they are college- and career-ready, as 18 of the 20 fastest-growing occupations within the next decade require career-technical education. Without a quality career and technical education system, neither our region nor our state will be able to compete in a global marketplace,” said Mark Eagan, President and CEO of The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Comparable programs have been highly successful. The Albany Business Review Morning Edition reports that nine out of 10 students enrolled in Hudson Valley Community College’s manufacturing program are hired upon graduation. A Time Magazine cover story shows that this level of success should be more than sustainable. It was reported that the number of middle-skill, technical jobs will increase by 17.5 percent between 2010 and 2020.