Alabama Lawmakers Seek $150M Boost for Career and Technical Education

Alabama lawmakers this week unveiled a broad initiative to strengthen career and technical education (CTE) across the State, centered on a proposal for a $150 million investment to expand programs that prepare students for in‑demand jobs.

The approach also includes two workforce bills aimed at removing barriers between schools and industry, recruiting experienced instructors and giving students earlier access to career pathways. Leaders say the goal is clear: equip students to fill jobs here in Alabama.

Career and technical education programs combine classroom instruction with hands‑on training in fields ranging from advanced manufacturing to healthcare. These pathways typically help students earn skills needed for careers that require training beyond high school, but not necessarily a four‑year degree.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said the proposals reflect Alabama’s ongoing focus on workforce development and 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.”

“Expanding CTE means more Alabama students can step into good‑paying, high‑skill jobs more quickly — and without taking on mountains of student debt,” he added.

Ledbetter also stressed the need to connect students with career pathways earlier in their school years. “When students are exposed earlier to real‑world skills and high‑demand careers, the results can be life‑changing — not only for those students, but for families, communities and employers across Alabama,” he said.

The centerpiece resolution, sponsored by Representative Frances Holk‑Jones (R-Foley) calls on the Legislature to back an additional $150 million in funding for career and technical education statewide.

“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. This investment helps ensure more students have access to high‑quality training that leads directly to good‑paying careers and long‑term opportunity.”

Last year, lawmakers approved $100 million for regional CTE center grants, driving strong interest from school systems statewide.

House Majority Whip James Lomax (R-Huntsville) is sponsoring the Talent Readiness and Industry Needs (TRAIN) Act (HB517), which would create a new system to bring industry professionals into CTE classrooms.

The proposal would offer a tax credit to employers who loan qualified employees to teach designated CTE courses. It also would establish a Workforce Teaching Certificate to allow skilled professionals to teach after completing training and background checks.

“This is a common‑sense solution that strengthens both our classrooms and our economy,” Lomax said. “Industry leaders tell us they need more skilled workers, and students benefit enormously from learning directly from experienced professionals working in high‑demand fields.”

Manufacturing leaders praised the measure as a strategic way to link education with industry needs. “The TRAIN Act represents exactly the kind of innovative thinking Alabama needs,” said Jon Barganier, President and CEO of Manufacture Alabama. “It strengthens connections between industry and education, helps address instructor shortages, and ensures students gain exposure to real‑world skills that are immediately relevant in today’s economy.”

Another bill, HB520, sponsored by Rep. Marcus Paramore (R-Troy) would create an expedited certification pathway for experienced CTE teachers moving to Alabama.

“If we want stronger career tech programs, we must make it easier to recruit great instructors,” Paramore said. “This bill cuts unnecessary red tape and helps Alabama attract proven educators who can immediately prepare students for high‑demand, high‑skill careers that are critical to our state’s economy.”

Speaker Ledbetter said the suite of proposals aligns with broader efforts to grow the economy and give students every chance to succeed. “These initiatives move our state forward. They expand career tech access, strengthen instruction and ensure Alabama businesses can hire Alabama workers,” he said.