The cheers usually reserved for athletes with star power echoed at Lawson State Community College recently, but the spotlight belonged to a different kind of celebrity---future college students who arrived at Lawson for NC3 National Signing Day. The April 16 ceremony on campus honored their commitment to high-demand career and technical education (CTE) programs.
With industries like construction needing over 340,000 new workers this year alone, Associate Dean Erika McAlpine noted that these students are the "unsung heroes" of the economy.
"This is about letting students know that what they're doing is important, it's valuable, and it's going to lead to a great career," Ms. McAlpine said.
Download photos from NC3 Signing Day at Lawson State
By publicly signing letters of intent, these students aren't just planning to start school, Ms. McAlpine added. Rather, they are stepping into their roles as some of the sought-after professionals in today's workforce.
Students sign letters of intent for workforce‑ready programs
The event, modeled after athletic signing ceremonies, was a first for Lawson State's career technical division. Students representing nearly 20 majors committed to their futures, with the largest groups of talent flocking to Automotive Technology, Welding, HVAC, Barbering and Cosmetology, and Business Management.
What Lawson State educators are seeing reflects a massive national shift. As recently as early April, the industry group Associated Builders and Contractors reported that they "must attract approximately 349,000 net new workers in 2026 just to meet current demand. That figure is projected to rise to 456,000 in 2027 as construction spending growth accelerates."
Nationally, experts point to a Gen Z pivot that includes more interest in skilled trades and careers, often to position themselves as AI-resilient employees and future business owners.
Keynote speaker Jason Watters, a workforce development executive with Alabama Power, emphasized that these students are choosing a path with "real, measurable returns."
"The opportunities here do not just lead to jobs; they lead to careers," Mr. Watters told the signees. "If you are a welder, a metal fabricator, or an HVAC technician, you can go anywhere. You are what they call a 'subject matter expert.'"
He added that while they have an amazing opportunity, there will be plenty of hard work ahead.
"The future does not belong to those who dream about it," he said. "It belongs to those who build. Today is Day 1 of your foundation."
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the dignity of technical work.
Lawson State Dean of Career Technical Education Grant Cockrell challenged the students to view their upcoming journey as the start of their professional identity.
"Fewer than 2% of college athletes play professionally," Mr. Cockrell said. "The key difference with you is 100% of you can graduate, 100% of you can be successful, 100% of you can start a career."
Learn more about Career Technical Education programs at Lawson State.
