MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Alabama lawmakers are backing a major expansion of career and technical education, unveiling a coordinated package centered around a proposed $150 million investment in CTE programs statewide.
The proposal is paired with two workforce-focused bills aimed at strengthening ties between classrooms and industry, easing teacher certification hurdles and giving students earlier access to career pathways.
Lawmakers said the goal is clear: prepare Alabama students to fill Alabama jobs.
Career and technical education programs offer hands-on instruction and workforce training, preparing students for high-demand careers that typically require education beyond high school but not necessarily a four-year degree.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said expanding CTE remains critical to Alabama’s continued economic growth.
“Strong career technical education programs are key to ensuring Alabama’s economy continues its historic growth,” Ledbetter said. “For too long, too many students were told a four-year degree was the only path to success. Alabama is changing that.”
He added that expanding CTE allows students to enter good-paying, high-skill jobs more quickly and without significant student debt.
$150 Million Proposal
Rep. Frances Holk-Jones introduced a House Joint Resolution calling for an additional $150 million appropriation for CTE programs. The proposal builds on a previously approved $100 million in 2025 for regional career tech center grants.
“Career and technical education opens doors for students and strengthens Alabama’s workforce,” Holk-Jones said. “School systems across our state have demonstrated tremendous demand for career tech programs.”
(TRAIN Act)
House Majority Whip James Lomax is sponsoring the TRAIN Act, which would create a tax credit allowing employers to temporarily loan experienced employees to teach designated CTE courses.
The bill would also establish a Workforce Teaching Certificate, giving skilled professionals a pathway to teach after completing targeted training and background checks.
“This is a common-sense solution that strengthens both our classrooms and our economy,” Lomax said.
Jon Barganier, president and CEO of Manufacture Alabama, said the proposal would help address instructor shortages and connect students with real-world skills.
Teacher Certification Changes
Rep. Marcus Paramore is sponsoring legislation to streamline certification for experienced CTE educators relocating to Alabama. The measure would create an expedited pathway and remove certain requirements that can delay classroom placement.
“If we want stronger career tech programs, we must make it easier to recruit great instructors,” Paramore said.
Speaker Ledbetter said the combined initiatives reflect Alabama’s broader workforce priorities.
“These initiatives move our state forward,” he said. “They expand career tech access, strengthen instruction and ensure Alabama businesses can hire Alabama workers.”
