Alabama Workforce Council – A series of initiatives

A new era of collaboration between Alabama business leaders and education officials anchors a series of innovative initiatives that take aim at transforming workforce development efforts and improving educational outcomes in the state. 

These proposals are detailed in a report prepared by the Alabama Workforce Council, which is now being made available to the public. The AWC, a blue-ribbon panel of business executives, educators and lawmakers, recently presented its 64-page report to Governor Robert Bentley.

The recommendations in the report include:

• Establishing a Statewide Longitudinal Data System to provide better information about education and workforce trends to businesses currently operating or considering expansion in the state, businesses considering moving to the state, economic developers, and state and local education leaders.
• Creating a statewide awareness campaign to change generational misperceptions about careers in the skilled trades and raise awareness about long-term career opportunities in Alabama.
• Developing a “One Stop Shop” online resource for Alabama workforce development information.
• Funding 44 additional PK-12 Career Coaches to serve as educational ambassadors for careers in skilled trades.
• Developing and implement a statewide Career Fair and Trade Show strategy.
• Supporting legislation that promotes public/private partnerships.
• Developing a public/private partnerships Best Practices Resource Guide.
• Reviewing the current workforce development functions and, by executive, legislative or otherwise necessary action, establish a more streamlined, centralized and accountable organizational structure for coordination and management.
• Codifying and funding the Regional Workforce Development Councils.
• Reviewing the structure and alignment of Workforce Investment Boards.

via Alabama Workforce Council issues report, launches website.