As of publication, 43 governors delivered State of the State addresses, emphasizing Career Technical Education (CTE) as an opportunity for economic growth and addressing workforce demands. Governors continued previous years’ efforts to build out workforce development. Overall, 29 governors discussed or implicated CTE in their State of the State addresses. Governors wove together apprenticeships, workforce development, and building out capacity and access to CTE as a highly intertwined system.
Apprenticeships
Governors prioritized the importance of apprenticeships as part of a larger economic and workforce landscape. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro celebrated the addition of 231 new pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships, highlighting over 39,000 people participating since his term began. Similarly, California Governor Gavin Newsom lauded the now 600,000 new earn-and-learn opportunities, underscoring how these opportunities strengthen the physical foundations of the state.
In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore also announced over 5,000 new apprentices, highlighting an additional 4,000 Registered Apprentice high schoolers who will be graduating before his term ends, creating sustainable career pathways. Elsewhere, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden touted the establishment of a State Apprenticeship Agency, supporting businesses by creating more flexibility in how apprenticeships are structured.
Workforce Development
Governors emphasized the connection between these apprenticeships and learning opportunities for building the workforce, particularly through investments in CTE. Idaho Governor Brad Little discussed Idaho LAUNCH, which provides high schoolers up to $8,000 to pursue innovative workforce training. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey spotlighted workforce development as a tool of sustainable growth, echoing Governor Little’s goal of building a stronger state economy.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp celebrated a historic $368 million investment into workforce development programs, emphasizing its positive impact on the state’s employment turnover rate. Similarly, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced $7 million for new workforce training programs focused on AI and manufacturing, demonstrating how they are adapting to the technological advances in the workforce.
Increasing Access and Capacity
Other governors reinforced the importance of workforce development in developing career opportunities. New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte celebrated investments in dual and concurrent enrollment programs, emphasizing the importance of seamless credit transfer pathways so students can successfully complete their training. Ohio Governor Mike Dewine invested $300 million to develop new career technology facilities, expand current ones, and provide new equipment for schools, strengthening the infrastructure needed to modernize CTE programs.
Elsewhere, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster celebrated free tuition scholarships for over 120,000 students at technical colleges, underscoring the importance of financial access to high-demand postsecondary and industry credentials. Similarly, Colorado Governor Jared Polis recognized efforts to reduce the cost of training opportunities and remove financial barriers, including making the first two years of community college free.
For more information about state policies impacting CTE, see our State Policy Resources Page.
