Congressman Roger Williams, Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, said in a March 9 op-ed published in The Hill that career and technical education programs are essential to addressing workforce shortages across the United States.
Williams said millions of high-paying jobs remain unfilled while students are often told that a four-year college degree is their only path to success. He argued that America's economic stability depends on filling these positions, especially in industries such as construction and manufacturing.
"Career and technical education offers a practical, affordable and highly effective pathway from the classroom to a career," Williams said. He noted that rising tuition costs and student debt have made higher education less accessible for many families. According to Williams, there are about 3 million unfilled trade jobs nationwide, including an estimated 500,000 vacancies in manufacturing.
Williams highlighted the role of small businesses in the economy and emphasized that they cannot grow without skilled workers. "Small businesses — the backbone of our nation’s economy — cannot grow without talent, and students cannot succeed without opportunity," he said.
He pointed to programs like the Grizzard Regional Institute of Technology (GRIT) partnership with Weatherford College as examples where students can earn diplomas or credentials 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," Williams said.
Williams also referenced recent legislative efforts, including his bill passed by the House on June 3, 2025—the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act—which requires Small Business Development Centers to provide resources for hiring graduates from these programs. He mentioned federal investments such as a $145 million Department of Labor initiative supporting national apprenticeships and expanded Pell Grant access for short-term workforce training.
"If we want a stronger workforce, a stronger economy and a stronger Main Street, we must continue investing in career and technical education," Williams concluded.
