Alabama enjoys the lowest levels of unemployment and the greatest levels of labor force participation in the history of our state. However, to meet the current and future demands of business and industry, more must be done to develop a workforce development system that offers a seamless educational journey for individuals to enter in-demand career pathways at every stage of life. Our youth need the kind of preparation best received through real-world experiences, and our adults need avenues to grow their skill sets while they are on the pathway to earning a family-sustaining wage.

Alabama’s employers are joining forces with education providers in an unprecedented effort to expand on-the-job training models. Apprenticeships offer an excellent opportunity for our citizens to maintain gainful employment while receiving the technical skills and work-based learning experiences needed to enter an in-demand occupation. Alabama is taking the lead in workforce development efforts. Our efforts are catching the attention of companies from around the globe and are providing more opportunities for Alabamians. By growing apprenticeship opportunities across industry sectors, the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship will help Alabama continue to lead the way.

To find out more about apprenticeships and the ways the AOA is working to expand them, visit www.alapprentice.org or call 334-280-4414.