At the heart of this year’s discussion was a simple but critical mission—connecting classrooms to careers. “We want to ensure that the hands-on skills and the industry credentials being taught in our schools are perfectly aligned with the real-world needs of business in this region.”
The discussion was led by a panel of regional education and workforce leaders who are on the front lines of preparing students for success. Panelists included Ken Briford, Principal of MPACT Montgomery Preparatory Academy for Career and Technologies; Mark Young, Director of the Academy of Craft Training; Brock Dunn, Principal of Autauga County Technology Center; Emily Johnson, Director of Elmore County Tech Education; and Richard Robinson, Director of Pike Road Career Technical Education. The conversation was moderated by Donny Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Workforce Officer for the West Alabama Chamber, who guided a candid and solutions-focused dialogue on workforce readiness across the River Region.
A Collective Effort for the Future Workforce
From Montgomery to Elmore, Autauga to Pike Road, the River Region’s education and business communities are working together to build a stronger, more aligned workforce pipeline.
Donny Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Workforce Officer for the West Alabama Chamber, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “The only way to solve these challenges is to have a strong, real, and honest dialogue, and then work together toward solutions.”
This collaborative approach is bringing together:
- Career and technical education (CTE) leaders
- Industry partners and employers
- Workforce development professionals
- State and local education leaders
The Workforce Reality
The conversation emphasized a pressing reality:
- Nearly 60% of jobs require education or training beyond high school—but not necessarily a four-year degree
- Key industries such as healthcare, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and technology continue to grow
- Yet, many employers still struggle to find qualified talent
Jones noted the disconnect clearly: “We’re seeing low unemployment, but a real skills gap—employers have jobs, but they can’t find the workers with the right training.”
Inside Our Schools: Strong Programs, Real Impact
Across the River Region, CTE programs are reaching thousands of students each year, offering hands-on learning and industry credentials that prepare them for in-demand careers.
At Montgomery Preparatory Academy for Career Technology (MPACT), Principal Ken Britford highlighted a holistic approach to student development: “We’re not just teaching pathways, we’re working to develop the whole student, from technical skills to soft skills like communication and financial literacy.”
In addition, new initiatives like the Academy of Craft Training are strengthening the pipeline by preparing students for careers in the skilled trades. Mark Young, Director of Operations, shared: “Our goal is to be a vessel from education into industry, helping students transition with the skills and expectations employers need from day one.”
The Power of Partnership
A key takeaway from the discussion: education cannot do this alone, and neither can industry.
Young reinforced the role of employers: “Industry has to get involved at every level. The companies that show up, invest, and engage, those are the ones getting the best talent.”
Strong workforce development depends on:
- Employers actively engaging in classrooms
- Providing real-world exposure and mentorship
- Investing in programs and equipment
- Helping shape curriculum through advisory councils
Challenges We Must Address
While progress is being made, the conversation also highlighted real challenges:
- Recruiting and retaining qualified instructors
- Funding for facilities and equipment
- Student awareness and interest in career pathways
- Parent perceptions around career and technical education
Emily Johnson, Director of Career Technical Education for Elmore County Public Schools, spoke candidly about student engagement: “It’s hard to prepare someone for something they don’t want to do, but when we reach them early and show them the opportunities, it makes all the difference.”
Rick Robinson, Career Tech Director for Pike Road Schools, emphasized the importance of early exposure: “If we wait until high school to talk about careers, we’re already behind. This work has to start much earlier.”
Moving Forward: A Shared Responsibility
The State of Schools event made one thing clear: Closing the workforce gap requires bold collaboration and a willingness to rethink how we prepare students for the future. Jones challenged the room with a call to action: “If we know there’s a gap between what’s being taught and what employers need, then we have to come together as a community and do something different.”
This means:
- Strengthening connections between K-12 education and industry
- Expanding work-based learning opportunities
- Embedding real-world skills across all curriculum
- Continuing to align education with regional economic needs
Montgomery and the River Region are uniquely positioned to lead this work, and with continued partnership, the path forward is strong.
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