Workforce Brochure

WEST ALABAMAWORKS! RECRUITS, TRAINS, AND EMPOWERS A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE DRIVEN BY BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY NEEDS

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DEAR FUTURE PARTNER, West AlabamaWorks! is an extremely important partner for every industry in this region. I have experienced their work firsthand through their support for MBUSI and its suppliers in finding high-performing and engaged employees, dedicated to building the highest quality vehicles in a positive team culture.

West AlabamaWorks! proactively drives effective actions, based on the collective needs of the region, by being the conduit connecting business and industry, government, and education leaders.

West AlabamaWorks! coordinates and engages all necessary resources to produce results that support the needs of the region, not just for the automotive industry but also for more than 100 businesses, companies, and partners. At West AlabamaWorks!, we are constantly looking to expand our efforts; therefore, we welcome new partners and new ideas. I invite you to be a part of this need-based, industry-led, partnership-focused organization. Thank you for your interest and support of West AlabamaWorks!

Most Sincerely,

ROLF WRONA

Vice President of Human Resources, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International; Chairman of the Board, West AlabamaWorks!

BUILDING A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE | 3

OUR STORY In 2014, leaders of the Regional Workforce Council approached the Chamber of Commerce about working together to improve workforce development in West Alabama. Community leaders understood that a strong business community required a strong workforce. A strong workforce required an innovative solution that would bring together industry, government, and education.

Over the course of several months, West AlabamaWorks! was established.

From day one, our organization was driven by outcomes and impact. Our region faced a critical need for trained employees in our expanding automotive industry, along with the challenges of a changing economy impacting key business sectors like coal and manufacturing. At the same time, a growing hospitality industry, along with an ongoing shortage in healthcare, created a need for a strong response, strategic solutions, and systemic change.

West AlabamaWorks! has stepped up and stepped in to bring people together to make a difference in workforce development.

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WEST ALABAMAWORKS! IS BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY. More than 230 representatives from business and industry are a part of West AlabamaWorks!.

They represent the entire gamut, from small businesses within the service industry to the region’s largest employers in manufacturing and automotive. Our industry partners employ more than 40,000 people and help make our regional economy strong and vibrant.

WEST ALABAMAWORKS! IS EDUCATION. From PreK-12 school systems to post-secondary partners, leaders from the education sector are a vital part of the workforce system. They provide a continuum of training, from helping middle school students develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to assisting high school students in understanding career development. Post-secondary institutions provide educational credentials and training for tomorrow’s workforce.

WEST ALABAMAWORKS! IS GOVERNMENT. Every part of our nine-county region is represented by community leaders. Mayors, council members, county commissioners, and state agencies look to West AlabamaWorks! to be a catalyst in building a thriving workforce system.

BUILDING A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE | 5

WHO WE ARE West AlabamaWorks! is a regional partnership of business, industry, government, and education that seeks to build a highly skilled workforce, connect people with jobs, and create a better future for all of our citizens.

We support the success of employers by being a catalyst for innovative training, education, and best practices for workforce delivery. Our goal is to build a strong and highly skilled job force so that employers can build their bottom line while expanding the regional economy.

We connect people seeking employment with training, education, and opportunities. Through hiring fairs, case management systems, and a network of employers and training providers, our goal is to provide opportunities for training and personal advancement by connecting people with their next career.

Our capacity to support local workforce development efforts was enhanced in 2021 when the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, West AlabamaWorks!, and several partner workforce organizations moved into a 42,000 sq. ft. facility in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa, creating the West Alabama Workforce and Community Development Center. This space not only provides enhanced physical capacity for numerous workforce development-focused administrative services but has also become the premier central location for collaboration between public, private, and nonprofit sector workforce partners throughout the community.

FOLLOW @WESTALWORKS ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

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WE ARE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY-DRIVEN. Everything we do is focused on the current and future needs of business and industry. The private sector drives what we do and is an everyday partner in how we operate.

WE ARE SOLUTION-ORIENTED. We work hard to develop and expand pipelines, curriculum, and career pathways for citizens in our region. We understand no single entity or program is going to be the fix for all things workforce. Therefore, we bring together our partners in education, industry, and nonprofits to create solutions and meet needs.

WE ARE RELATIONSHIP-FOCUSED. Relationships are central to what we do. Relationships with employers, employees, job seekers, service providers, educators and community leaders are vital. Such relationships build a strong network that will work collaboratively to meet the needs of workforce demands.

BUILDING A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE | 7

WHAT WE DO West AlabamaWorks! is a catalyst. We make things happen. We get things done. We make a difference. We bring people together to create solutions, increase effectiveness, and make our region stronger. We build bridges between education, training, and what employers need. We connect the dots. We are forward looking. We are strategic. We are problem solvers. We look for ways to innovate and make our communities stronger and more sustainable.

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THE WEST ALABAMAWORKS! OPERATION Our unwavering commitment to an industry-driven, industry-led model means we begin with industry clusters that drive all other activities. The outcome of this process is a qualified, trainable workforce ready to meet the demands of industry across our region.

INDUSTRY CLUSTERS This is where everything begins. Five clusters meet regularly and drive strategy, programs, and outcomes. Clusters include Automotive, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Construction, and Professional Services.

FUNDING

E D U C AT I O N & PROGRAMS

Funding provides the financial resources necessary for

K-12, higher education,

innovation and expansion

nonprofits, and other

of outcome-based

service providers

programs. These

implement high quality, high impact, and

resources are targeted at dislocated workers,

outcome-based

at-risk individuals, and

programs that are aligned to industry-led

initiatives to prepare

strategies.

students for the future workforce.

POLICY We advocate at the local, state, and federal levels for policy and budget priorities that help make systemic change.

QUALIFIED, TRAINABLE WORKFORCE © 2023 West AlabamaWorks!

The West AlabamaWorks! Operation and Chart are property of West AlabamaWorks!

Duplication without Permission is Prohibited.

BUILDING A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE | 9

THE LEARNING

CENTER

CAREER PATHWAYS & TRAINING Choosing a pathway in life can be tough, but we are here to help. From videos offering glimpses of a day in the life of an industry worker to real world training opportunities on-site, our learning center has the tools to help make your decision making process an informed one. Learn by doing and choose a career that works for you.

“West AlabamaWorks! partnership with ARD has greatly benef ited ARD’s success by connecting us with the resources required in our hiring, training, governmental support for training, collaboration with educational programs, etc. Donny Jones and his team are outstanding; check out West AlabamaWorks! to meet your needs.”

BREGITTE BRADDOCK General Manager, ARD Logistics- Alabama, LLC

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LEARN MORE!

MODERN MANUFACTURING PROGRAM (MMP) The Modern Manufacturing Program, launched August 21, 2021, prepares individuals for entry level manufacturing careers for our state’s Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM): MercedesBenz U.S. International, Honda, and Mazda-Toyota, Hyundai, and many of their suppliers. The program can be applied in a traditional high school career technical program, dual enrollment program, or adult education program through the Alabama Community College System.

Participants learn basic employability skills, safety, technical skills, and manufacturing principles needed to be successful in today’s manufacturing environment. The program includes instruction in machine operations, production line operations, systems analysis, instrumentation, physical controls, automation, manufacturing planning, quality control, and informational infrastructure.

All manufacturers will benefit as these students will be eligible and ready for hire once they have completed the program. Sixteen schools from four regions (North Alabama, East Alabama, West Alabama, and Central Alabama) were initially chosen to participate and be trained in preparing a collaborative environment in which students are exposed to various levels of careers from across the state.

STUDENTS WHO ENJOY HANDS-ON ACTIVITES CAN SCAN TO LEARN MORE!

BUILDING A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE | 11

WORLDS OF WORK Worlds of Work is one of our flagship initiatives. Held in the fall of each year, over 5,000 students and parents participate in this fun, educational, hands-on opportunity to become familiar with high-demand, high-wage career opportunities available in the region. Worlds of Work is a collaborative effort between West AlabamaWorks! and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

The goal of this program is to support our educational partners in preparing students today for the careers of tomorrow.

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WOW VARSITY WOW Varsity is an event that allows high TM

school and post-secondary students to talk to industry professionals about high-growth,

BY THE NUMBERS

high-demand jobs in West Alabama and what they can do to earn those jobs in the future. Taking place during our Worlds of

The key to the success of Worlds of Work is

Work event, students are encouraged to

the strong collaboration between participants,

attend with a parent or guardian as they

partners, volunteers, educators, and local

learn about industry sectors and what

government. The numbers of WOW speak to

employment looks like in those occupations.

the great success of the event and the potential

Seniors attending have a chance to win

outcomes and effects on the greater West Alabama

a semester’s tuition at either Shelton

region for the future.

State Community College or Bevill State

100% School participation throughout Region 3

28,000 Students who have experienced WOW & WOW Varsity*

100+ Companies/industry partners involved each year

Community College.

WOW 2.0 WOW 2.0 is a continuation of the great foundation that’s built at Worlds of Work.

Like WOW, WOW 2.0 is a 2-day event which targets high-school seniors and post-secondary students on the first day, and high school juniors on the second day. Students are able to speak with postsecondary schools, as well as meet with

2,394

industry professionals in a job fair setting.

Volunteers who serve a collective

with interested students at WOW 2.0. This

15,000+ hours per year*

Personal, pre-scheduled interviews occur event allows additional connections between

62

industry and potential workers to be made,

Sponsors representing

high-growth, high-demand jobs available in

West Alabama annually

$715,000 In financial investments* * Some data cumulative f rom last 5 years (2018-2022)

with the goal of filling the more than 4,000 West Alabama. The primary goal of WOW 2.0 is to employ students prior to graduation by connecting them with industry.

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REGIONAL SIGNING DAY Regional Signing Day celebrates high school seniors entering career technical education apprenticeships or jobs following graduation.

Students entering apprenticeships will train with a company or training organization in a skilled trade, such as welding, manufacturing, and construction among others. Many will also attend a technical school or college as part of the apprenticeship. The career technical education students have signed contingent offers to begin full-time employment following graduation.

A portion of the honorees earned their job or apprenticeship offers through WOW 2.0, an event for high school seniors usually held in April at Shelton State Community College. The event is a continuation of West AlabamaWorks’ annual Worlds of Work (WOW) event for ninth graders. The events help West Alabama students learn about the competitive, fulfilling work opportunities in the region.

LEARN MORE!

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WORKFORCE CENTERS The West AlabamaWorks! Workforce centers are

LOCATIONS

made possible through a grant from The Appalachian Regional Authority. At the Workforce Centers, you’ll find a warm environment and a dedicated staff committed to serving you by providing a wide range of resources at no cost to job seekers.

•

High paying jobs with benefits

•

Special resources for families impacted by changes in the coal industry

•

In-demand ‘Ready-To-Work’ Certification

•

Job training and certification

•

Career path development and coaching

•

Resume and interview assistance

•

High speed internet access for job search

•

Special programs for entrepreneurial development

•

A wide-range of non-credit work related classes

•

Career Connect information

WORKFORCE CENTERS BLACK BELT WORKFORCE CENTER Marengo County 1048 Bailey Drive Demopolis, AL 36732 (334) 310-9511 BROOKWOOD WORKFORCE CENTER Tuscaloosa County 15706 Highway 216 Brookwood, AL 35444 (205) 735-9675

CAREER CENTERS FAYETTE CAREER CENTER Fayette County

CAREER CONNECT One of our innovative tools for making a difference is our Career Connect System. Career Connect is our state-of-the-art web platform that allows individuals to complete a short electronic questionnaire that helps our team connect them with employment, training, support services, and career coaching. It is also a hub for communication, tracking, case management, and outcomes management. It’s accessible remotely on any

2631 Temple Avenue N Fayette, AL 35555 (205) 932‑3221 DEMOPOLIS CAREER CENTER Marengo County 1074 Bailey Drive Demopolis, AL 36732 (334) 289‑0202 TUSCALOOSA CAREER CENTER Tuscaloosa County

web browser or smartphone.

202 Skyland Drive

Career Connect helps us provide special assistance

(205) 758‑7591

to individuals who are looking for a career. We then push people into high-impact programs provided by our nonprofit and education partners. Career Connect helps to connect people quickly with employers that are looking to hire.

WESTALABAMAJOBS.COM

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 VERNON CAREER CENTER Lamar County 44425 Alabama Highway 17 Vernon, AL 35592 (205) 932‑3221 BUILDING A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE | 15

EDUCATOR

WORKFORCE

ACADEMY

WEST ALABAMAWORKS!

The Educator Workforce Academy is a year-long training program for education professionals in West Alabama, exposing them to workforce development and the needs of our employers in the region. Established in 2017 by West AlabamaWorks!, the Academy is designed to eliminate the disconnect between industry and education, giving our region’s students the best chance possible for success.

“One of the great things that the Educator Workforce Academy has done is allowing us, the educators, to go out and see what job opportunities are readily available in our communities so that people can go to work for a local company. This shows us, the educators, that this is what we need to be doing to give business and industry the opportunity they need by providing the type of workforce with the right skills, which provides our citizens good jobs and advancement opportunities to further develop the workforce in our community.”

SHAWN MCDANIEL

Principal, Pickens County College and Career Center 16 | WEST ALABAMAWORKS!

LEARN MORE!

CAREER EXPLORATION WITH Transf rVR Using virtual reality technology, our outreach team is hard at work, connecting with students and offering them the chance to explore different career pathways during in-person visits to our area schools.

A NEW APPROACH TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

EXPLORE

A student explores career possibilities with short accessible sessions in career exploration.

LEARN

A career is selected and training begins, this can include dual enrollment credits and more.

TRAIN

Students develop their expertise at a two-year college or high school training program.

WORK

Skilled workers enter well-paying jobs in high-growth industries, job-ready on day one.

I.G.N.I.T.E. STUDENT JOBS WAWSTUDENTJOBS.COM

I.G.N.I.T.E. Student Employment Program is the best place to accelerate your future pathway and career. We have the latest information from employers on starting wages and sought after skills that can put you in front of opportunities that make the most sense at every stage of your development, whether that’s a part-time job, summer job, co-op, apprenticeship, or an internship.

Our vision is that every student employment position on this site will be a high-impact and transformative work-integrated learning experience that prepares students for meaningful, passionate, and productive careers.

LEARN MORE!

I.G.N.I.T.E. represents a set of character qualities that students have in the workplace that make individuals good at their job. The character traits, “Having Integrity, expressing Gratitude, Never give up, showcasing Initiative, keeping the habit of Timeliness, and having Enthusiasm on the job,” can be applied in life as students progress into adulthood.

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HISTORICAL MILESTONES 2014 Regional leaders meet to discuss creating a regional workforce collaborative.

A collaborative is formed that would become West AlabamaWorks!

Industry Clusters begin meeting to identify needs and opportunities in the workforce.

West AlabamaWorks! becomes one of 40 host sites for National Fund for Workforce Solutions.

2015 TM

School Counselor Industry Tours.

First annual Worlds of Work event at Shelton State Community College.

2016 Launch of Career Connect, a state of the art database to connect people with training and employment.

Mobile Workforce Training Lab is launched to provide technology and support outreach efforts.

Recognized as an ACT Work Ready Community.

2017 West AlabamaWorks! awarded $1.5m Power Grant by Appalachian Regional Authority to retrain and redirect local economies impacted by the downturn in the coal industry.

Alignment of Regional WIOA Board and Regional Council focusing more regional control of federal workforce dollars.

Ready to Work (RTW) expands its availability throughout West Alabama.

2018 First Educator Workforce Academy Class Graduates.

Logistics Center ribbon cutting held at Brookwood Technical High School on February 2018.

First annual WOW 2.0 event at Shelton State Community College.

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2019 JOBSNOW created so candidates can text JOBSNOW and enter information to begin receiving information.

The launch of the childcare database, and the region’s first virtual ready to work course in partnership with Shelton State Community College.

The creation of the West Alabama Workforce and Community Development Center.

Alabama Workforce Stabiliztion Program (AWSP) utilized as a resource for Covid-19 for companies for training and OJT.

2020 Modern Manufacturing classes begin at Brookwood Career Technical Annex

First annual Regional Signing Day event held to honor high school seniors entering apprenticeship and full-time employment.

Demopolis Workforce Center opens and Blackbelt coordinator hired. Serving Greene, Sumter, Marengo, Hale, Pickens, Perry, & Dallas counties.

First Annual Talent Conference held

Received Power 2 Grant to support outreach events and place kiosks in libraries.

2021 Mercedes-Benz U.S. International started a youth apprenticeship program to allow high school students, ages 16 and up, to gain paid work experience at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International located in Vance, Alabama.

First ever virtual Worlds of Work took place, reaching 2,420 8th grade students.

MODERN MANUFACTURING PROGRAM CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

Expansion of Modern Manufacturing Program in Region 3 and statewide.

Began virtual reality career exploration within our regions school systems using TransfrVR headsets.

West AlabamaWorks! was pivotal in the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama being named the 2021 ACCE Chamber of the Year.

West AlabamaWorks! awarded $973K WORC grant to recruit, train, and place job seekers into full-time employment.

2022 The I.G.N.I.T.E. Program launched in May and offers teens ages 14 to 18 a leg up at finding a job. Summer jobs, year-round jobs, co-op opportunities and apprenticeships are all available through the program.

2023 Portal created for individuals and their families impacted by the justice system to help find them promising careers.

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PARTNERSHIPS IN EDUCATION We believe a strong education system is vital to creating opportunity and building our workforce. We work closely with school superintendents and key leaders throughout our region to raise the bar on vocational education and career development.

FUNDING HIGH IMPACT PROGRAMS Funding through partners that build a strong and expanding workforce system is a central role of West AlabamaWorks!. Our collaborative efforts bring a wide range of service providers together in order to obtain grant and foundation funding. We work hard to increase public and private investment into the regional workforce system. At the same time, our administrative overhead and fundraising costs remain low because of our strategic partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

“The partnership the Tuscaloosa City Schools has with the Chamber and West AlabamaWorks! is truly invaluable. From their Adopt-A-School program to the Educator Workforce Academy, to the Worlds of Work and Worlds of Work 2.0, our students and educators benefit every single day through an active relationship with the business community.”

DR. MIKE DARIA Superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Government relations is an ongoing focus of our work. We advocate for public policy and investment that support a stronger education and workforce development system. We conduct this work on all levels – local, state, and federal – to make sure that the needs and opportunities of our citizens, schools, and businesses are in the forefront of policymaking.

STRATEGIC PLANNING Strategic planning is a critical part of what we do. We bring together subject matter experts and issue specialists to create solutions, look for innovative opportunities, and increase collaboration, impact, and effectiveness through strategic planning. Our work in this area may include a school system that wants to increase the number of at-risk graduates who are ready to work or develop a long-term plan for vocational and technical education. We’ve helped businesses develop strategies to address critical issues like employee retention or improved essential workplace skills for new hires. Such endeavors are made possible because of strategic planning.

“Being innovative in our approach, being able to quickly satisfy a need is especially important if we’re going to meet the challenge and then exceed the challenge. These factors make West AlabamaWorks! one of the best because they can do all of these things.”

ED CASTILE

Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Workforce Development Division State of Alabama

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE At West AlabamaWorks!, results matter.

We exist to make a difference for our region, local economies, businesses, education, government, neighborhoods, families, and individuals. We focus on making a difference in a big way by providing opportunities like hiring fairs attracting 500+ people, retraining and employing more than 1,000 people impacted by the slowdown in the coal industry, preparing 2,000 people for indemand automotive jobs, and providing rural outreach across a service area of more than 7,800 square miles.

At the same time, we never lose sight of making a difference in smaller ways. We impact people one at a time.

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EMANUAL SELF

EMANUAL SELF BECAME THE FIRST HIGH SCHOOL EMPLOYEE THAT BROSE TUSCALOOSA HAS EVER HIRED. WHAT LED TO THAT MOMENT WAS NO EASY TASK. While in high school Emanual Self worked as a general sales associate making roughly $10/hr. At the time he was also a new father working to provide for his family.

led him through the interview process.

He passed a drug test and was placed in a part-time position with Brose working in the IBK area where he was creating back frames for BMW seats.

“I was barely making ends meet when I was introduced to the programs at school. I reached out to Mrs. Lindemann (a NCCER Core, Ready to Work, MSSC, Dual Enrollment, and Modern Manufacturing teacher at the Brookwood Career Tech Annex). I asked her if there was any way she could help me get a job that would help me out more,” said Emanual. “She then introduced me to Mercedes but I would not have been able to start until after graduation. She then introduced me to Brose and after about 3 weeks into being introduced I became Brose’s first high school employee,” said Emanual.

He was offered a position with Brose April 2022 before he even graduated from high school.

As far as the on boarding process he was contacted by an HR employee who

“As difficult and challenging as it was, I was able to do both work and school. I would work after school 3 days a week, starting off at $16/hr.,’ said Emanual.

He graduated from Brookwood High School on May 11, 2022, and obtained his ‘ready to work’ certification and two other certificates from the West AlabamaWorks! Regional Signing Day. Those certificates of achievement welcomed him to the Brose team and celebrated his accomplishment for entering a career opportunity and pursuing a career in a skilled trade profession.

Today, Emanual works 36 hours a week, he says his career at Brose Tuscaloosa has more than helped him through his senior year in high school, being able to provide for his daughter, his fiance’, and himself, and for that he thanks everyone that believed in him and helped him start his career at Brose Tuscaloosa.

Emanual said, “I would highly encourage other high schoolers to get connected to programs West AlabamaWorks! has to offer, and other career exploration programs at your school, those programs will help tremendously with your future.” He said. “There is so much opportunity that is offered through those programs and I honestly think the Modern Manufacturing Program and Logistics Program is a great choice to others if they are wanting to earn a living right out of high school.”

MEGAN COLEMAN

THE IMPACT OF WOW & WOW 2.0 Megan Coleman says one of the reasons

“Being a female in this trade in general

she wanted to get her career started

can be frustrating, but they (male

in the construction industry was to

coworkers) treat me with the respect

challenge herself as a woman in a male

and dignity they would give anyone else,

dominated field and the fact that she

but they seem to love to test my limits,”

enjoyed working with her hands. After

said Megan. “As a determined and head

learning about McAbee Construction

strong woman, I like to show them (male

and meeting with hiring managers

coworkers) that we (women) can come

during WOW 2.0, Megan found the

to work and excel just like the rest of the

perfect solution to making sure she was

guys,” said Megan.

career ready after high school. She’s been enrolled in their apprenticeship

She said there are days where she

program now for three years. Megan

wonders if she should have chosen

said, “it just seemed like the better

another career path but is reminded

choice when it came down to it.”

that being a part of the TJAC Local 372 Union Apprenticeship with McAbee has

Three years later and she says her

prepared her not only in the workforce

experience at McAbee Construction has

sector, but also in her communication

been challenging yet rewarding.

and leadership skills. She in no way wanted to be in the spotlight but says she enjoys being seen as a leader and being an example for others looking to get into construction, especially for women.

“The knowledge, hands-on experience, and family culture has been worth it,” said Megan. “Not just helping to build things but also changing other people’s mind set about women in construction,” said Megan.

After completion of the apprenticeship in year five she’s looking forward to no longer being called an apprentice, but a journeyman.

* An apprentice is a trainee, especially in a skilled trade while a journeyman is a tradesman who has served an apprenticeship and is employed by a master tradesman.

FELICIA STEWART-TAYLOR

WIFE, MOTHER, FRIEND, EVENT PLANNER, GRADUATE.

HEAR HER

STORY HERE

A wife, mother, friend, event planner, and 22 years in the Mental Health field, Felicia Stewart-Taylor now can check high school graduate off the list, after 20 years.

It wasn’t easy, but Felicia recently received her high school diploma from Smart Horizon Career Online Education within 8 months of starting the online program through West AlabamaWorks!

In 1993, Felicia was on track to graduate from Central high school, 6 credits away when her life changed forever.

“Well, I had a child early, a ‘Total Care’ child, Brittney, while I was still in high school. It was hard trying to get to school and trying to find care for her because not everyone was equipped to handle a child like mine,” said Felicia.

“So, it was just hard trying to continue school, stay encouraged, and get care for my daughter. Getting different people to help and being a senior was challenging. I made it all the way to 12th grade, but it was just too hard for me to finish. I had a lot of encouragement, but I felt like my daughter was more important at the time. I thought I’d never finish so I ended up trying to obtain my GED but come to find out when I wanted to start Shelton the GED, I thought I obtained wasn’t accredited.

This program came about at such a perfect time.”

After receiving an accredited high school diploma and a career certificate that shows employers, she has proven skills and knowledge in the field, Felicia said this high school diploma will allow her to go to college to further her education.

Although her diploma was awarded to her in the summer of 2021, her close friends, family, and members of West AlabamaWorks! surprised her with her very own graduation ceremony which was an emotional one for Felicia.

“Do it, it’s the best thing. It’s a feeling of relief for me and it’s something I thought I would never have, and through this program I was able to obtain it. So, it’s a dream come true, a total dream come true. Yes, I’m 46, but I did it!

For more information on the Career Online Education Program, visit https:// westalabamaworks.com/cohs to register or contact West AlabamaWorks! at (205)735-9675.

LOOKING FORWARD West AlabamaWorks! is optimistic about the future and committed to building a stronger workforce system resulting in great opportunities for our citizens and industry partners. In view of this, we’ve identified some critical initiatives of which we will pursue funding and improvement.

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HELPING INDIVIDUALS BREAK THE CYCLE The Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s office has worked closely with West AlabamaWorks! and Shelton State Community College to ensure participants entering the Second Chance Program can become productive members of the community. The program is primarily aimed at first-time offenders who have been charged with a property crime or a minor drug crime.

Partners provide job training and placement for participants. This program is unique in that it is self-sufficient with the program participants fully paying for the program. Successful participants have their charges dismissed after completing the job readiness course, paying court costs, paying restitution, and completing community service.

With funding from The Just Trust, West AlabamaWorks! is building a network of West Alabama employers who will hire individuals with a criminal history. A job connect system geared towards second chance individuals with employment opportunities, training, and supportive services will be available for participants. We will also support grass roots advocacy by creating a network of individuals connected by their desire to impact the system and advocate for reform.

The Prison Re-entry Program (PREP) of West Alabama is a partnership among West AlabamaWorks!, Lifelink, LLC, Alabama Department of Corrections, and West Alabama employers. The PREP program combines Ready-to-Work, a five-week course in interviews and soft skills, with CORE, a character development program facilitated by LifeLink, LLC. Inmates are selected for the program based on behavior and sentence length. Once the participant is eligible for parole, the program graduate will interview for employment. In addition to providing employment, PREP helps participants re-integrate into society. Business sponsors help ease this transition through housing, transportation assistance, and life-skills coaching.

BUILDING A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE | 27

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS At the heart of West AlabamaWorks! is an unwavering commitment to partnership and collaboration. We are industrydriven and industry-led and our work begins in our industry clusters. Our industry clusters work because our people value partnership and collaboration. They realize that the power to solve the challenges we face requires that we come together, stay together, and succeed together.

We are building partnerships and whether you are a potential investor, industry partner, or service provider, we invite you to build with us.

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“We look at community development as a whole and how that integrates together as a bigger picture of a work ready community. We understand that while a struggling parent may want to get the credentials required for a better job, meeting immediate family needs takes priority. Our goal at West AlabamaWorks! is to provide the tools and resources necessary to meet both needs simultaneously. Individuals matter at West AlabamaWorks!”

DONNY JONES

Chief Operating Officer, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama; Executive Director, West AlabamaWorks!

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HOW TO GET INVOLVED There is a wide range of opportunities for industry partners and investors to get involved. Here are several ways to consider:

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Participate in one of our industry clusters.

There are five clusters that meet regularly and the doors are always open. These meetings are the hub of everything that happens within West AlabamaWorks!

Become an end user of one of our employment pipelines.

Our program strategy is based on developing employment pipelines where we recruit, train, and prepare people for employment within an industry sector. You can utilize one of the existing pipelines or we can discuss the feasibility of creating an additional pipeline to meet your needs.

Utilize Career Connect to support your hiring process.

We can customize our searches and recruitment to find exactly what you are looking for. We have a demonstrated track record of connecting qualified, trainable job seekers with employment. Our process will save you time and money.

“West AlabamaWorks! supports DCH and the Healthcare Cluster strategically in coordinating the development and recruitment of qualified and engaged employees. Their ability to assist us in creative brainstorming and problem solving for viable workforce solutions is invaluable.”

PEGGY SEASE-FAIN

Vice President of Human Resources, DCH Healthcare System

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INVESTMENT PARTNERS Our funding partners provide the fuel for the innovation and expansion of our workforce system.

If you are interested in one of the current programs or future priorities we’ve mentioned, we’d love to discuss how a partnership with West AlabamaWorks! can maximize the return on your investment.

We place a high priority on developing innovative, high-impact programs for at-risk individuals and underserved communities. Your partnership in these initiatives is what allows us to ensure their effectiveness and expand their impact.

For more information, visit www.westalabamaworks.com or call us at (205) 758-7588.

“As a member of the Tuscaloosa and West Alabama community for more than 70 years, Phifer Incorporated is honored to be a proud supporter of West AlabamaWorks!

The workforce development needs in our region required strong leadership, effective planning and the coordination of resources that result in solutions that meet the needs of business, industry, and job seekers. One of our effective solutions is the Ready-To-Work program provided by our local community colleges. We encourage job seekers that wish to change to a manufacturing career field to attend Ready-To-Work so they may succeed in their new career pathway.”

RUSSELL DuBOSE

Vice President of Human Resources, Phifer Incorporated BUILDING A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE | 31

NOTES

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NOTES

BUILDING A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE | 33

SPECIAL THANKS AL Legislative Delegation AIDT Alabama Department of Commerce Alabama Department of Labor AlabamaWorks!

Appalachian Regional Commission Business Leaders United Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Board and Staff The Coca-Cola Foundation Delta Regional Authority Education and Non-Profit Partners The Just Trust Foundation National Fund for Workforce Solutions Regional Economic Development Partners U.S. Department of Labor W.K. Kellogg Foundation West AlabamaWorks! Regional Workforce Council West AlabamaWorks! Steering Committee West AlabamaWorks! Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Board WEST ALABAMA WORKS (205) 758-7588 westalabamaworks.com westalabamajobs.com LIKE WAW ON FACEBOOK @westalworks FOLLOW WAW ON INSTAGRAM @westalworks FOLLOW WAW ON TWITTER @westalworks JOIN WAW ON LINKEDIN @West AlabamaWorks!

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