Rep. Roger Williams told host Stacy Washington that expanding trade-school pathways is a central part of his agenda for workforce development. Williams argued that many young people lose hope and leave school early, and that trade careers provide a debt-free route into stable employment.

Williams cited what he described as state-level dropout figures, saying ‘‘we have a 100,000 kids, Stacy, dropping out of school in the ninth grade just in Texas alone,’’ and argued for policies to present trade-school options more clearly to applicants. He described a bill that would require state schools to show applicants both four-year college tuition and trade-school tuition so students can compare the costs and outcomes.

He also proposed that four-year universities could start offering degrees in trades such as plumbing, welding and carpentry, creating pathways from a major university degree to a trade career. “I also don't see why we can't have 4 year colleges beginning to offer degrees in plumbing, welding and carpentry,” he said.

Williams framed the proposals as a way to reduce student debt and fill labor gaps in industries that are increasingly technical, noting that auto mechanics now require electronics training in addition to traditional skills.

No legislative numbers, bill identifiers, or implementation timelines were provided during the interview.