The remainder of these fast growth jobs are occupations for which some postsecondary education and training, but not necessarily a baccalaureate degree, are preferred or required. Georgia has invested heavily in the future of technical education to provide its citizens with rewarding jobs and to ensure the state's continuing economic growth and development. Today, the state boasts a system of 33 technical institutes with 16 satellite campuses presently under construction. This system of schools currently educate more than 226,000 students in over 100 different occupational areas. I think you'll agree that's a significant investment in building the knowledge base of our citizens.
Technical education is more than hands on laboratory instruction.
It applies analytical thinking skills to this hands-on instruction. It often provides a strong background in computer and communications skills. It teaches students to synthesize a body of knowledge, to adapt to change, to strengthen interpersonal skills, and to move forward as technology changes our lives and the ways in which we work. In short, technical education teaches people to think and continue their learning long after they have graduated. As a result, employees become more flexible and more valuable in the job market and business world.