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WELCOME FALL 2025

We’re excited to share another season of growth, connection, and opportunity at Wallace State! This fall, we ’ re celebrating the accomplishments of our students, deepening partnerships with employers, and expanding the pathways that prepare North Alabama’s workforce for success.

Inside this issue, you’ll find highlights from our FAME Cohort 7 Induction & Signing Day, opportunities to engage with students through Tools of the Trade and Industry Comes to Wallace State, and upcoming events like the Student Investment Luncheon and Spring Career Fair. We’re also shining a light on employer initiatives from second-chance hiring to hosting Skills for Success labs that create meaningful impact for our students and the companies that employ them.

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Thank you for being part of the Wallace State community. Together, we ’ re building powerful partnerships and preparing the next generation of talent to thrive

Mission Summary

Committed to bridging the gap between students and the workforce by fostering career readiness, strengthening industry partnerships, and delivering customized training solutions. Through career services, work-based learning, and lifelong learning opportunities, we empower individuals to succeed while supporting regional economic growth and meeting the evolving needs of employers.

Carpentry

Fiber

Hotel

Meat

First Source for Women: Building Bridges Through Language

“We are truly thankful for this partnership between First Source for Women and Wallace State Workforce Development. Together, we are breaking down language barriers and building stronger, more inclusive support for the women and families we serve, ” said Gretta Johns, Client Services Manager at First Source for Women.

First Source for Women is a nonprofit pregnancy resource center located in Hanceville, Alabama. They are dedicated to walking alongside women facing unplanned pregnancies by providing support, parenting classes, peer coaching, and the resources they need to plan for a successful future. They offer a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental environment where women feel supported, heard, and encouraged as they navigate their next steps

Earlier this year, they recognized a growing need to better serve their Spanish-speaking clients. In response, they began exploring opportunities to learn Spanish, and said they were blessed to connect with the Workforce Development Program at Wallace State Community College. Through this partnership, a Spanish instructor now comes to their center twice a week to teach their staff and volunteers.

“This program has been incredibly beneficial,” said Johns. “Not only are we growing in our understanding of the Spanish language, but we ’ re also beginning to communicate more effectively with our clients ”

Johns noted that an unexpected blessing has been the way the classes have strengthened their team, staff and volunteers are building deeper connections and having fun as they all learn together.

Wallace State can help your organization develop similar solutions. Through customized training programs, we work with employers to identify specific skill gaps and workforce needs and create training designed to meet those unique goals. From needs assessments to tailored content and delivery, our programs ensure employees gain practical skills that directly apply to the workplace, helping your team perform at its best and supporting your organization’s objectives

To learn how we can support your workforce, contact Anna Beard, Director of Workforce Initiatives, at anna.parrish@wallacestate.edu or 256.352.8356.

FAME Cohort 7 Induction & Signing Day

On Thursday, August 21st, Wallace State and the NCAL chapter of FAME celebrated Cohort 7 with their annual NCAL FAME Induction and Signing Day event. Faculty, staff, employers, and family members joined us while students were recognized for their achievements in joining the FAME program. Among the students were the following, with the companies that selected them: Juan Blanco (Royal Technologies), Isaac Carter (ACIPCO), Drake Compton (Saint-Gobain), Jacob Hale (Nucor), Grant Harbison (Sonoco), Marcus Koditek (Yutaka), Juan Posada (Mazda Toyota Manufacturing), and Saul Saucedo (YKTA).

These eight students will spend the next 5 semesters in the FAME program, working in the industry while earning their degrees. We look forward to seeing them excel in their field, becoming multiskilled technicians ready to join the workforce. Congratulations, Cohort 7!

Cardington Yutaka Technologies (Alabama plant) is a founding member of the Wallace State FAME chapter, providing support for students in all seven cohorts of the program. Charles Daniel, the employer representative for Yutaka, has served as our chapter's chair, aiding in coordinating opportunities for outreach. This long-standing partnership has helped our chapter grow, providing exciting opportunities for students to receive paid experience in the workplace while earning their degree.

Wallace State is committed to growing apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities that connect education to real careers. Whether you are interested in joining the FAME program, starting an apprenticeship tailored to your company’s needs, or exploring how apprenticeships can benefit your industry, we ’ re here to help. Students who are interested in applying for an upcoming cohort, as well as employers ready to explore apprenticeship partnerships, can connect with Kit MichaelRyan at kaitlyn.michaelryan@wallacest ate.edu.

You’re Invited – Tools of the Trade 2025!

Wallace State is excited to host the annual “Tools of the Trade” 8th Grade Career Showcase on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at our Hanceville Campus. This special event brings together more than 1,500 eighth-grade students, teachers, parents, and community partners for a hands-on introduction to a wide variety of careers.

Event Details

What makes this event different?

This is not a job fair. Instead, it’s a chance for students to explore, ask questions, and get their very first look at different industries and career paths before they enter high school. By engaging students at this stage, we can spark curiosity and help them begin thinking about the education and training steps needed for future opportunities.

How you can be involved:

Showcase your industry or program with an interactive booth or demonstration. Volunteer as a guide to help students navigate the event.

Support the experience by representing your business or organization.

Where: Wallace State Community College – Hanceville Campus

When: Thursday, October 23, 2025

Time: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Registration is required for Industry Partners, Wallace State Programs, and Volunteers. Register Here!

Hosted by: Wallace State Community College, Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Cullman Economic Development Agency, Blount County Economic Development Agency, and Cullman County Economic Development Agency.

For more information please contact Christina Holmes, Director of Career Services & Work-Based Learning - christina.holmes@wallacestate.edu | 256.352.8120

Student Investment Luncheon & Auction

Wallace State is excited to host the 21st Annual Student Investment Luncheon and Auction on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Traditions Bank Arena in Tom Drake Coliseum. This signature event raises more than $300,000 each year for student scholarships, with funds generated through sponsorships, auctions, and donations all directly supporting Wallace State students in achieving their educational and career goals.

Guests will enjoy a delicious meal, an exciting live and silent auction, and an online auction that opens two weeks before the event. Luncheon service will be provided by Wallace State scholarship recipients, giving attendees a chance to meet the students who benefit from their generosity.

How Employers Can Be Involved:

Sponsor the event at a level that fits your organization and gain recognition while directly supporting scholarships.

Attend the luncheon and bring your team to enjoy networking, a great meal, and live auction fun.

Donate an auction item (silent, live, or online) to showcase your company and support student success. (Deadline for silent/live auction items: October 17, 2025.)

Make a gift directly to the fund or scholarship of your choice if you cannot attend.

By participating, employers make an immediate and lasting impact on students while connecting with fellow community and industry leaders.

For more information please contact Brett Messersmith, Annual Giving and Advancement Services Coordinator, brett.messersmith@wallacestate.edu, 256.352.7808.

Industry Comes to Wallace State

Skills for Success Employer Opportunities

Recognized by the Alabama Community College System as a 2023 Region 1 WorkBased Learning Best Practice Winner, Industry Comes to Wallace State is a monthly series that gives employers a direct line to students who match their current hiring needs. Unlike traditional career fairs that serve as a “catchall,” this event is targeted if your company is hiring welders, you’ll present directly to Wallace State welding students and faculty.

Each session features up to six companies, with time to share your company culture, benefits, and career opportunities before meeting students one-on-one. It’s an efficient way to recruit interns, apprentices, and fulltime employees while strengthening your partnership with Wallace State.

Wallace State’s Skills for Success program offers short-term, hands-on training that equips students with job-ready skills in high-demand industries Employers are a vital part of this program, helping connect training directly to real career opportunities

Ways Employers Can Be Involved:

Attend a Skills for Success lab to meet students in training

Hire students on the spot who are ready to enter the workforce

Offer job shadowing opportunities to give students a closer look at your industry

Host site visits or facility tours to showcase your workplace

Share feedback on skills needs to help shape future training

Click here to complete the interest form!

Training Courses in the following:

Asphalt Roller

Operator

Barista

Bulldozer Operator

Carpentry

Essentials

CDL - Class A, B & Endorsements

Community Health Worker

Customer Service

Electrical

Fundamentals

Excavator

Operator

Fiber Optics

Technician

Food & Beverage

Hotel Operations

Land Survey

Technician

Meat Cutter

Mental Health

Worker

Landscape & Nursery

Nursing Support

Technician

Skid Steer

Operator

Are you a 2 chance employer? nd

The Center for Career & Workforce Development at Wallace State is committed to bridging the gap between students and the workforce by fostering career readiness, enhancing industry partnerships, and delivering customized training solutions. We serve a wide-range of students including Second Chance and Special populations, providing access to meaningful pathways through various training and career opportunities.

Wallace State partners with employers who offer opportunities to individuals re-entering the workforce after incarceration or other barriers. Becoming a Second Chance Employer helps businesses connect with motivated employees eager to build careers. If you are a Second Chance Employer—or interested in learning more and willing to interview and potentially hire, please complete this short form here!

Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group joins Wallace State in Powerful Partnership

On September 3, Wallace State Community College and Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group officially signed a Powerful Partnership agreement, opening doors to greater opportunities for our students and community.

Quanta is a global leader in specialized infrastructure solutions, serving the electric power, pipeline, industrial, and communications industries. The company has already tapped into Wallace State’s talent pipeline hiring five Engineering Technology graduates and with Quanta’s rapid growth and expansion, more Wallace State students are expected to join their workforce in the near future.

The Powerful Partnerships program is a no-cost initiative designed to connect education with workforce needs. Employers receive exclusive perks such as event access, marketing recognition, and a voice in shaping workforce training programs, while employees benefit from valuable educational opportunities.

To learn more about becoming a partner, contact Simone Grant, Employer Engagement Manager, at simone.grant@wallacestate.edu or 256.352.7453.

Thank you to our Powerful Partners!

We’re grateful for the support of our incredible industry and community partners who continue to invest in education, workforce development, and the future of our students.

Blount County Board of Education

Brasfield & Gorrie

Cullman County Commission

Cullman Savings Bank

Eva Bank

Huntsville Hospital Health Systems

LP Building Solutions

Marshall County Schools

Marshall Medical Center

Morgan County Commission

NAFCO

PACT