Across Alabama, employers are struggling to find skilled workers to fill good-paying jobs. At the same time, too many students have been told there is only one path to success – a four-year degree, regardless of cost, interest or career goals.
Alabama is changing that.
Thanks to leaders in the Legislature like House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, our state is making a serious investment in career and technical education (CTE). After allocating $100 million in 2025, the House has now passed a budget that includes an additional $150 million to continue its investment in our state’s future workforce.
Career and technical education programs provide students with practical knowledge through hands-on instruction and workforce training. They allow students to learn and become certified in fields like manufacturing, construction, automotive and trucking services, welding, pipefitting, agriculture, cybersecurity and other skilled trades.
These are high-skill, high-demand careers. They keep Alabama’s economy moving forward. For students, they offer something just as important: a direct path to a good-paying, stable job immediately after high school graduation – without the burden of student debt.
Not every student wants or needs a four-year degree, but every student deserves a pathway to a successful, rewarding career.
That’s exactly what CTE provides.
The $100 million invested by the Legislature last year for CTE centers sparked overwhelming interest from school systems across the state. In fact, the total funding requested by school systems in 2025 exceeded the amount available. So the demand – and the need – is undeniable.
The House has recognized this need and taken action by passing a budget that includes another $150 million for CTE programs. Now, it’s time for the Senate to do the same and match this commitment for students.
School systems across the state are using funds from last year’s $100 million appropriation to create, expand and update CTE centers.
In my hometown, Henry County schools are transforming a building that has sat empty since 2003 into a new career tech center offering courses for careers in fields such as construction, health sciences and child development.
Sumter County schools are using the funds for a new career tech campus that will also serve students in Greene County.
In DeKalb County, where CTE enrollment has doubled since 2021, these funds will help build a modern facility that can meet growing demand and introduce new career pathways like cybersecurity. Likewise, Pike County schools will use their funding to offer additional training courses.
And in Cullman County, funds will build a career tech center where students can learn a trade and connect with local industries for training opportunities.
These are just a few examples of how last year’s $100 million investment will make a difference.
But this is not about funding buildings. It’s about building Alabama’s workforce. It’s about giving students real options and new pathways that lead to great careers. It’s about keeping Alabama competitive in an ever-changing economy.
The Legislature wisely decided our CTE students were worth $100 million in 2025. Now we must build upon last year’s success and allocate $150 million toward continued CTE expansion.
House members have made clear that our students – and our future workforce – are worth this investment. Senators should do the same.
By doing so, we will continue to move Alabama forward, invest in our future and give more students the opportunity to succeed, no matter which pathway they choose.
Jimmy Rane is Founder and Chairman of Great Southern Wood Preserving.