The U.S. House of Representatives took a major step forward in overwhelmingly passing the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R.5587), which would reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act through Fiscal Year 2022, and provide increased support for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

“ASHRAE commends members of the U.S. House of Representatives for passing this bipartisan bill that would modernize career and technical education and provide renewed strength that will prepare students for in-demand careers,” said ASHRAE President Tim Wentz. “We strongly encourage the Senate to build on these efforts and take bold action to provide further support for STEM education. Such action would help meet the workforce pipeline need for an estimated 115,000 new HVAC&R technicians by 2022, which will be created through growth and retirements.”

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is a global society advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment. The Society and its more than 56,000 members worldwide focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability. Through research, standards writing, publishing, certification and continuing education, ASHRAE shapes tomorrow’s built environment today. More information can be found at www.ashrae.org/news.

ASHRAE is a member of the HVACR Workforce Development Foundation, which is dedicated to leading an industry effort to develop and promote educational projects, programs, and partnerships to attract committed and skilled employees to a career in HVACR. More information on the Foundation can be found at www.careersinhvacr.org.