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Chairman Williams Op-Ed: Career and Technical Education Programs are Igniting Main Street America
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the following Op-Ed by Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, appeared in The Hill.
“Millions of high-paying jobs sit empty across America, and while students are told that a traditional four-year college degree is their only pathway to success, our economic stability is under threat. America’s strength depends on the strength of its workforce. Yet too many in-demand jobs remain unfilled, and industries like construction and manufacturing continue to struggle to hire skilled workers.
“Career and technical education offers a practical, affordable and highly effective pathway from the classroom to a career.
“For years, rising tuition and mounting student debt have pushed higher education out of reach for many hardworking families. Currently, there are about 3 million unfilled trade jobs in the United States, including an estimated 500,000 vacancies in the manufacturing sector alone. As President Trump brings production and investment back to the United States, we must prepare American workers to fill these jobs and build the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“Small businesses — the backbone of our nation’s economy — cannot grow without talent, and students cannot succeed without opportunity.
“Career and technical education programs provide skills-based training aligned with students’ interests and workforce needs. They are the solution to the labor shortage threatening Main Street and the American economy.
“Last month, I chaired a Committee on Small Business hearing where we heard from contractors and educators about how these programs are not only a viable pathway to the workforce but also critical tool for addressing the labor crisis.
“Career and technical education programs cost less than half as much as a traditional bachelors degree and can often be completed in 18 to 24 months. Many students graduate from high school with industry-recognized certifications, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately with little or no debt.
“A great example back at home in Weatherford, Texas is the Grizzard Regional Institute of Technology or GRIT program. This partnership with Weatherford College highlights what is possible when education and workforce demands align. Students can earn a diploma, technical credentials, and even an associate degree at no cost while gaining hands-on experience.
“Programs like this allow students to move directly into careers, spend less time in school, and avoid the financial burden that often comes with traditional college pathways.
“Career and technical education is not a backup plan; it is a strategic pathway to economic growth. If we strengthen the skilled labor pipeline through these programs, students will be more likely to become entrepreneurs, support small businesses and fuel their local economies. This committee is working hand in hand with House Republicans and the Trump administration to make these opportunities possible.
“President Trump has prioritized equipping American workers with the skills they need to meet the growing demand for skilled trades, including a recent $145 million Department of Labor investment to support the national apprenticeship program. On June 3, 2025, the House passed my bill, the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act, requiring Small Business Development Centers to provide resources to small businesses on hiring career and technical education program graduates. Additionally, the Working Families Tax Cuts expands access to Pell Grant funding for students enrolled in short-term workforce programs.
“If the government fails to recognize the importance of career and technical education programs and the legislation that supports them, the labor shortage will worsen and economic momentum will slow.
“It’s simple — America will always need more plumbers, welders, and carpenters.
“These careers will remain indispensable to our nation’s infrastructure and prosperity. If we want a stronger workforce, a stronger economy and a stronger Main Street, we must continue investing in career and technical education.”
“Millions of high-paying jobs sit empty across America, and while students are told that a traditional four-year college degree is their only pathway to success, our economic stability is under threat. America’s strength depends on the strength of its workforce. Yet too many in-demand jobs remain unfilled, and industries like construction and manufacturing continue to struggle to hire skilled workers.
“Career and technical education offers a practical, affordable and highly effective pathway from the classroom to a career.
“For years, rising tuition and mounting student debt have pushed higher education out of reach for many hardworking families. Currently, there are about 3 million unfilled trade jobs in the United States, including an estimated 500,000 vacancies in the manufacturing sector alone. As President Trump brings production and investment back to the United States, we must prepare American workers to fill these jobs and build the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“Small businesses — the backbone of our nation’s economy — cannot grow without talent, and students cannot succeed without opportunity.
“Career and technical education programs provide skills-based training aligned with students’ interests and workforce needs. They are the solution to the labor shortage threatening Main Street and the American economy.
“Last month, I chaired a Committee on Small Business hearing where we heard from contractors and educators about how these programs are not only a viable pathway to the workforce but also critical tool for addressing the labor crisis.
“Career and technical education programs cost less than half as much as a traditional bachelors degree and can often be completed in 18 to 24 months. Many students graduate from high school with industry-recognized certifications, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately with little or no debt.
“A great example back at home in Weatherford, Texas is the Grizzard Regional Institute of Technology or GRIT program. This partnership with Weatherford College highlights what is possible when education and workforce demands align. Students can earn a diploma, technical credentials, and even an associate degree at no cost while gaining hands-on experience.
“Programs like this allow students to move directly into careers, spend less time in school, and avoid the financial burden that often comes with traditional college pathways.
“Career and technical education is not a backup plan; it is a strategic pathway to economic growth. If we strengthen the skilled labor pipeline through these programs, students will be more likely to become entrepreneurs, support small businesses and fuel their local economies. This committee is working hand in hand with House Republicans and the Trump administration to make these opportunities possible.
“President Trump has prioritized equipping American workers with the skills they need to meet the growing demand for skilled trades, including a recent $145 million Department of Labor investment to support the national apprenticeship program. On June 3, 2025, the House passed my bill, the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act, requiring Small Business Development Centers to provide resources to small businesses on hiring career and technical education program graduates. Additionally, the Working Families Tax Cuts expands access to Pell Grant funding for students enrolled in short-term workforce programs.
“If the government fails to recognize the importance of career and technical education programs and the legislation that supports them, the labor shortage will worsen and economic momentum will slow.
“It’s simple — America will always need more plumbers, welders, and carpenters.
“These careers will remain indispensable to our nation’s infrastructure and prosperity. If we want a stronger workforce, a stronger economy and a stronger Main Street, we must continue investing in career and technical education.”
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