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State debuts unified workforce system, AlabamaWorks

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Alabama business, education and workforce training leaders unveiled a new system called “AlabamaWorks” that will seamlessly link employers looking for skilled workers with residents seeking jobs or job training.

The AlabamaWorks program aims to set a new standard in workforce development efforts, said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, which plays a primary role in statewide economic and workforce development.

“It’s about taking Alabama to the national forefront of workforce development so that every person in Alabama who wants to find a job can, and so that every employer that comes to Alabama will be able to hire the skilled workers it needs,” Secretary Canfield said.

“We truly believe that we are building a system that will soon become a national model.”

AlabamaWorks brings together key components of the K-12 and two-year college systems, state workforce training and placement services, and industry. AlabamaWorks will more easily connect businesses with job seekers and help prepare workers by linking them to career and job training opportunities.

Over the course of the next year, each of the state’s seven newly restructured Regional Workforce Councils will integrate their services into the new AlabamaWorks brand.

Ed Castile, deputy secretary of the Department of Commerce and executive director of AIDT, said the backbone of AlabamaWorks will be the seven local Regional Workforce Councils, local Alabama Career Centers and a new website.

“Our system is driven by local businesses and will therefore be responsive to the current and future needs of businesses in Alabama. Each Regional Workforce Council will be able to focus on the business sectors within its geographical area,” he said.

ALIGNING RESOURCES

AlabamaWorks is the result of a business-driven initiative and partnership between leaders in the private and public sectors. It stems from the Alabama Workforce Council initiative, spearheaded by Governor Robert Bentley, that explored ways to more closely align industry with the state’s workforce development resources.

“The Alabama Workforce Council and our partners are focused on helping transform the state’s workforce system to dramatically improve the livelihoods for millions of Alabama families for years to come,” said Zeke Smith, executive vice president at Alabama Power Co. and chairman of the Alabama Workforce Council.

Get more information about AlabamaWorks.

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