Alabama § 16-37A-2 - Legislative Findings. [Credit Terminates Dec. 31, 2031]

§ 16-37A-2. Legislative Findings. [Credit Terminates Dec. 31, 2031]

The Legislature finds that Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a vital role in preparing students for in-demand careers across a range of industries including manufacturing, information technology, construction, and skilled trades. Many school districts across the state face challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified CTE instructors due to certification barriers, regional shortages, and competition with private-sector wages. The involvement of current industry professionals in the classroom could provide students with direct exposure to up-to-date, real-world knowledge and practices, thereby improving educational outcomes and workforce readiness. The Legislature also finds that public-private partnerships between schools and industry are essential to closing the skills gap and ensuring that education aligns with the evolving needs of the economy. The TRAIN Act would provide an opportunity for the private sector to partner with eligible educational institutions to provide CTE instruction to students and provide for industry professionals to obtain CTE certification. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to establish a targeted income tax credit to incentivize employers to loan qualified employees to serve as instructors in CTE programs at eligible educational institutions in order to promote workforce development and economic growth.