ACHE highlights Alabama’s national leadership in apprenticeships, policy

At the quarterly meeting of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, officials highlighted Alabama’s growing national recognition for its innovative approach to workforce development and higher education. Josh Laney, director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, detailed the state’s pioneering employer-driven model for developing registered apprenticeships. Alabama has gained prominence for creating the nation’s first registered apprenticeships in higher education, including programs that confer bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

This success has drawn national attention, prompting the U.S. Department of Labor to enter a cooperative agreement with ACHE to expand Alabama’s apprenticeship model across the country. The $12.5 million agreement positions ACHE as the primary facilitator of the initiative, which aims to scale Alabama’s development processes nationwide by working with State Higher Education Executive Officers and Institutions of Higher Education.

Patrick Kelly, assistant director of Workforce Alignment at ACHE, presented data showcasing the benefits of dual enrollment in Alabama. His analysis demonstrated that students participating in dual enrollment programs not only have greater access to higher education but also outperform their peers in earning postsecondary credentials. He emphasized the broader advantages of dual enrollment, particularly for local employers who play a role in shaping curricula and certification opportunities. This alignment between educational institutions and industry leaders strengthens Alabama’s workforce by ensuring students acquire skills that meet real-world job market demands.

Stephanie Dolan, associate director of Planning and Policy, and Julian Rogers, assistant director of Institutional Finance and Facilities, provided commissioners with an update on higher education legislation for 2025. They detailed three active bills sponsored by Representative Terri Collins: HB271, known as (Re)Engage, which is aimed at increasing higher education re-engagement for adult learners; HB272, the Learning and Skills Education Assistance Act, which focuses on expanding state educational assistance; and HB273, the Hunger-Free Campus bill, designed to combat food insecurity among college students. Additionally, they highlighted other bills relevant to higher education, including HB288, which addresses athletic trainer requirements, HB188, which provides scholarships for law enforcement training, and SB196, a bill that would allow students to advance based on readiness rather than age-based grade levels.

Executive Director Jim Purcell addressed the commissioners on the impact of recent federal grant cuts, warning of their ripple effects across Alabama’s higher education landscape. He emphasized that institutions must adapt to evolving economic conditions, policy changes, and budget fluctuations to maintain long-term sustainability. Purcell underscored the importance of proactive leadership and innovation in ensuring that Alabama’s colleges and universities can continue thriving in an increasingly complex educational and financial environment.

As Alabama continues to lead in apprenticeship development, dual enrollment expansion and legislative advancements, ACHE remains focused on shaping a higher education system that aligns with workforce needs and ensures long-term success for students and institutions alike.