Alabama lawmakers introduced a coordinated package of career and technical education initiatives Thursday, headlined by a House Joint Resolution calling for a $150 million state investment to expand workforce training programs across the state.
The funding proposal is accompanied by two workforce-focused bills designed to recruit industry professionals into CTE classrooms and streamline certification for experienced educators relocating to Alabama.
The $150 million resolution, sponsored by State Rep. Frances Holk-Jones (R-Foley), builds on the Legislature’s 2025 approval of $100 million for regional career tech center grants. Holk-Jones said demand from school systems statewide has demonstrated the need for continued investment.
“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.”
The TRAIN Act (HB517) , sponsored by House Majority Whip James Lomax (R-Huntsville), would create a tax credit encouraging employers to temporarily loan qualified employees to teach designated CTE courses. The bill would also establish a Workforce Teaching Certificate, allowing skilled professionals to provide classroom instruction after completing targeted 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. At the same time, the TRAIN Act gives employers a meaningful role in developing Alabama’s future workforce.”
Jon Barganier, President and CEO of Manufacture Alabama, praised the measure.
“The TRAIN Act represents exactly the kind of innovative thinking Alabama needs,” Barganier said. “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.”
A second bill, the CTE Teacher Certification Act (HB520) sponsored by State Rep. Marcus Paramore (R-Troy), would create an expedited certification pathway for experienced CTE educators relocating to Alabama, removing requirements that lawmakers said often discourage qualified instructors from entering Alabama classrooms.
“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.”
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said the package reflects the state’s broader commitment to connecting students with career pathways earlier.
“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.”
Ledbetter added that earlier exposure to career pathways is critical.
“We wait too late to get many students involved in career tech pathways,” Ledbetter said. “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.”
Thursday was the 17th day of the Legislative session.
Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
