Career Tech is thriving — and it matters more than ever

I wanted to take a moment to share something worth celebrating in our community: career technical education (CTE) programs are not just surviving—they’re thriving.
Across our local city and county school districts, more students than ever are exploring and enrolling in career tech programs that prepare them for high-demand jobs right here in Alabama.
In addition, Bevill State Community College offers a wide range of career and technical education programs, and our students are wisely taking advantage of these opportunities to gain hands-on experience and industry credentials, even before graduating from high school through dual enrollment, with the majority taking these classes on scholarship.
Statewide, Alabama is putting a renewed focus on bringing back career tech, and it couldn’t be happening at a better time. The Alabama State Department of Education recognizes this need as well, and it is placing more emphasis than ever on career and technical education, acknowledging that our workforce and communities depend on it.
During my stint as a high school counselor, I noticed something concerning: we aren’t truly pushing the trades. These classes are often viewed as just electives rather than essential, respected pathways to real careers. That mindset needs to change.
Career tech isn’t a fallback—it’s a way forward for countless students who want to work with their hands, solve real problems and build something that lasts.
Not long ago, I asked a relative who lives in a large city, “In your opinion, what professions make up the largest part of your city’s workforce?” Without hesitation, the answer came back: “Mostly professionals.”
And it made me think—when the air conditioner breaks in July, who comes to fix it? When the plumbing backs up or a circuit needs rewiring, who do we call?
It’s not someone sitting behind a desk (I’m not judging—I sit behind a desk too); it’s the highly trained men and women who have chosen a career tech pathway and built real-world skills that make a difference every single day.
These are excellent jobs—often high-paying and in constant demand—offering students a direct path to financial independence and a fulfilling career. Career tech isn’t a lesser option; it’s an essential choice that keeps our homes comfortable, our businesses running and our communities thriving.
We should be proud our local schools and community colleges are providing students with the opportunity to explore these careers, develop their talents and earn certifications that open doors.
As a community, it’s up to us to support and celebrate this momentum. By investing in career tech, we’re investing in our young people—and in the future of our region.
Let’s continue to encourage students to explore all pathways to success, including career and technical education. After all, these are the very people who keep Alabama working, growing and moving forward