BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama lawmakers unveiled a coordinated package of career and technical education initiatives Thursday, headlined by a proposal seeking an additional $150 million investment in CTE programs statewide.
The package includes a joint resolution supporting the funding request and two workforce-focused bills aimed at expanding access to career pathways and easing CTE instructor shortages.
Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, R-Foley, sponsored a House Joint Resolution calling for a $150 million appropriation for career and technical education.
In 2025, lawmakers earmarked a $100 million appropriation from the Advancement and Technology Fund for matching grants to local school districts to develop regional career technical centers.
“School systems across our state have demonstrated tremendous demand for career tech programs,” Holk-Jones said in a news release. “This investment helps ensure more students have access to high-quality training that leads directly to good-paying careers and long-term opportunity,” .
The second part of the package is House Bill 517, sponsored by Rep. James Lomax, R-Huntsville, the Talent Readiness and Industry Needs, or TRAIN Act.
The bill would incentivize employers to temporarily loan qualified industry employees to teach CTE courses at eligible educational institutions, which include Alabama community colleges and public high schools.
The measure would create up to $10 million in annual income tax credits to offset a portion of the salary employers continue paying employees during their teaching assignments, with a cap of $250,000 per employer. The credits would be available beginning in the 2027 tax year.
The bill also creates the Workforce Teaching Certificate, which specifies minimum requirements, including a background check.
“Industry leaders tell us they need more skilled workers, and students benefit enormously from learning directly from experienced professionals working in high-demand fields,” Lomax said. “The TRAIN Act gives employers a meaningful role in developing Alabama’s future workforce.”
The third part of the package is the CTE Teacher Certification Act, created by House Bill 520, sponsored by Rep. Marcus Paramore, R-Troy.
The bill would create an expedited certification pathway for experienced teachers relocating to Alabama to teach CTE courses in public high schools. Eligible teachers must hold a valid teaching certificate from another state and show proof of four years of full-time teaching experience, a bachelor’s degree and a criminal background check.
The bill becomes effective June 1.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said the package reflects the state’s broader workforce priorities.
“Alabama’s economic future depends on creating jobs and giving students every opportunity to succeed,” Ledbetter said. “These initiatives expand career tech access and help ensure Alabama businesses can hire Alabama workers.”
The measures now head to committees for consideration.
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