MONTGOMERY — The Alabama House of Representatives passed multiple bills on Thursday aimed at expanding career and technical education opportunities and strengthening workforce development.
The "landmark" legislative package included House Bill 517, the Talent Readiness and Industry Needs (TRAIN) Act, allowing qualified employees and tradesmen to teach; House Bill 520, establishing an expedited certification pathway for experienced Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators relocating to Alabama; and a joint resolution for a $150 million investment in growing career tech programs across the state.
"The truth is, there is a lot of opportunity out there for our state's young people to access great employment and careers, and to do so straight out of high school," said House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville). "These bills, and this call for giving our state's career tech education programs the resources they need to be successful, will allow us to put our young people in a position to take advantage of those opportunities and achieve life-changing employment, which will lead to a brighter future."
House Majority Whip James Lomax (R-Huntsville), who sponsored the TRAIN Act, said the package should help more students graduate and find fulfilling jobs.
"Only about 34% of kids nowadays are graduating and going and finishing their college degree," he said. "So we've got about 66% of our kids coming through our schools that we've got to really focus on."
Regarding the TRAIN Act, Lomax said, "This approach connects education and industry in a way that makes sense for everyone. Employers across the state are facing a shortage of skilled talent, and students are eager for real-world experience that prepares them for today's most in-demand careers. The TRAIN Act bridges that gap, giving businesses a direct hand in cultivating the next generation of Alabama workers."
State Rep. Marcus Paramore (R-Troy) sponsored the CTE Teacher Certification Act.
"To strengthen our career and technical education programs, we have to remove the barriers that keep qualified instructors out of the classroom," Paramore said. "This legislation streamlines the process and positions Alabama to recruit experienced professionals who are ready to equip students with the skills needed for in-demand careers that drive our state's economy."
State Rep. Frances Holk-Jones (R-Foley) sponsored the House Joint Resolution, which calls on the legislature to support an additional $150 million appropriation for career and technical education.
"Career and technical education creates opportunities for students while strengthening Alabama's workforce," Holk-Jones said. "Across the state, school systems have shown strong demand for these programs. This investment ensures that more students can access high-quality training that leads directly to well-paying careers and long-term success."
Ledbetter praised the education package as "a significant step forward for Alabama students and our economy."
"Career and technical education opens doors for students across the state, providing them with the skills, certifications, and experience they need to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce," he said. "This package ensures that every student – whether in an urban center or rural community – has access to opportunities that lead to good-paying jobs and thriving careers."
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