West Alabama Works

We are West AlabamaWorks! We recruit, train, and empower a highly-skilled workforce driven by business and industry needs in West Alabama.

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West AlabamaWorks! Serves Region 3:

Workforce Happenings

First Black Belt Hiring Event of 2023 to be held in Pickens County

Eastwood Middle Gains New Adopter

New AAS Partnership in Hale County

Upcoming Events at a Glance

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Board Meeting Cluster Meetings Educator Workforce Academy (EWA)General Hiring Events Office Closed Orientation Steering Training TransfrVR headsets, career exploration school visits WOW Events/ Regional Signing Day

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We have already seen 800 students come through Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy this morning for “What Is E” event with Tuscaloosa City Schools. ⁠ ⁠ They’re asking 8th graders what’s your E? After high school are you going to Enroll (in college) Enlist (military) or Employ (go straight to work). ⁠ ⁠ All 8th graders in the city schools are here to see local employers, colleges and universities and we're here to showcase our wawstudentjobs.com portal and career exploration in West Alabama!

Drax is hiring! They are the world's second largest sustainable biomass producer and operate two wood manufacturing pellet mills in Aliceville and Demopolis, Alabama.⁠ ⁠ They're looking to fill a variety of positions at both sites from entry level to management.⁠ ⁠ They include: pellet mill operators, barge operators, quality techs, Control Room operators, electrical and instrumentation techs, maintenance techs, mobile equipment operators and supervisors.⁠ ⁠ If you would like to apply early to any of our positions visit, drax.com/uscareers

We are 24 hours away from our first Black Belt Hiring Event of 2023 at Aliceville City Hall from 10am-3pm. If you're looking for a job or a career change, head to Pickens County tomorrow!⁠ ⁠ For more information, visit our website: https://westalabamaworks.com/posts/2023/01/20/first-black-belt-hiring-event-of-2023-to-be-held-in-pickens-county

Join the conversation!⁠ Register to attend the Quarterly Workforce Summit at the Hale County College & Career Academy in Greensboro, AL February 8th!⁠ ⁠ The Quarterly Workforce Summit features workforce development and education updates for the West Alabama Region. ⁠ ⁠ Registration is open to anyone interested in learning more about workforce issues and needs, the labor market, and education and training needs.⁠ ⁠ Visit our website to register!

All Roads lead to Pickens County! ⁠ We're excited to kick off our first Black Belt hiring event of 2023 next Thursday at the Aliceville City Hall from 10am-3pm.⁠ ⁠ For more information, visit our website: https://westalabamaworks.com/posts/2023/01/20/first-black-belt-hiring-event-of-2023-to-be-held-in-pickens-county

The workforce team had a blast last night at the second annual MEGA WOW event held at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy. We connected 8 students to after-school jobs through our wawstudentjobs.com portal. ⁠ ⁠ This was not an ordinary Open House! Parents engaged in hands-on experiences led by students & were able to receive information on career pathways right from industry partners on-site.⁠ ⁠

Adopt-A-School gains two new adopters! 🍎⁠ Jason’s Deli comes on board as a new adapter for Eastwood Middle School: https://westalabamaworks.com/posts/2023/01/19/eastwood-middle-gains-new-adopter ⁠ ⁠ Hale County College and Career Academy gained its first adopter, Power and Rubber Supply, Inc.:⁠ Hale: https://westalabamaworks.com/posts/2023/01/19/new-aas-partnership-in-hale-county

Grant Opportunity for Alabama-based companies!⁠ ⁠ 💡 Move your idea from concept to commercialization with the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program.⁠ You may be eligible for up to $250K in non-dilutive funding.⁠ ⁠ The application will remain open until February 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. CST. ⁠ ⁠ Learn more here: http://innovatealabama.org/programs/

What a great morning learning how to manage a multigenerational team with a key emphasis on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. We thank all of our sponsors who made this event possible and our powerful guest speaker, Dr. Melissa Furman for making The 2023 Talent Conference a success.

Please note, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., our office will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2023.⁠ ⁠ Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Register for the Fourth Annual Talent Conference taking place next Wednesday Jan. 18th at Shelton State.⤵️⁠ https://business.tuscaloosachamber.com/events/details/2023-talent-conference-january-9345⁠ ⁠ Owner, Speaker, Consultant of Career Potential, LLC, Dr. Melissa Furman, will discuss strategies to Manage and Lead a Multigenerational Organization⁠ ⁠ You don't want to miss this event!

MEGA WOW returns to Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy next Thursday from 5:30-6:30pm.⁠ ⁠ This is not an ordinary Open House! Parents will engage in hands-on experiences led by students & receive info on career pathways right from industry partners on-site.⁠ ⁠ Don't this event!

Need tips for leading a multigenerational team?⁠ Join us for a breakfast session, Wednesday, January 18th at Shelton State Community College.⁠ ⁠ In this fun engaging session, Dr. Melissa Furman will provide knowledge, skills, and strategies to recruit, retain, and serve customers and employees across multiple generations.⁠ ⁠ Register to attend: https://business.tuscaloosachamber.com/events/details/2023-talent-conference-january-9345

NEMS is offering an innovative approach for those interested in starting a career in Emergency Medical Services beginning January 16th! The program allows qualified applicants to be hired as full-time employees of NEMS after 10 weeks. ⁠ ⁠ Check out our website for more information: https://westalabamaworks.com/posts/2023/01/02/earn-while-you-learn-emt-program-with-northstar-ems-returns-this-month

We're one week away from a three-day hiring event hosted by Foster Farms, January 2nd through January 4th in Demopolis, AL.⁠ ⁠ On-site interviews, immediate hiring, & same day orientation. ✔️⁠ ⁠ They're looking for a quality control manager, hanger (day/night shift), and packaging laborer (day/night shift) among other positions.

The holiday season is not just about the presents and lights that glow. It is about the hearts we have touched and the care that we always show. Thank you for all you do in making West AlabamaWorks! a success year-round. We appreciate you greatly.⁠ ⁠ May Christmas and the coming new year bring happiness and health to you and your family.⁠ ⁠ Sincerely,⁠ The West AlabamaWorks! Team

Career exploration Rocks! We are so incredibly grateful for the students at @nhsccr for gifting us this work of art today! "Northridge loves @worldsofwork " ⁠ ⁠ We have another one to hang up in the office! Yay! 🤩⁠ ⁠ Learn more about worlds of work by visiting our website: https://worldsofwork.com/ ⁠ #WOW2022 #WOW22

Congratulations to Hillcrest High School senior, Savannah Kelley! Last night she received special recognition in front of the Tuscaloosa County School System during their board meeting for being the recipient of our @worldsofwork Varsity tuition giveaway. ⁠ ⁠ Shelton State President, Dr. Chris Cox was in attendance and increased the scholarship from a free semester of tuition to a one-year full tuition scholarship to attend @mysheltonstate. ⁠ ⁠ Visit our website to see what program she plans to pursue.

Happening tomorrow! Foster Farms will be hosting a job fair from 8am-noon in Marengo County.⁠ ⁠ Join the Demopolis team! They're looking for a quality control manager, hanger (day/night shift), and packaging laborer (day/night shift).

All roads lead to The Gateway in Alberta next week!⁠ Bama Dining is having their large hiring event for the Spring Semester taking place on Tuesday, Dec. 13th⁠ ⁠ ✅ College tuition opportunities, leadership opportunities, & competitive pay!

The University of West Alabama is one of six Alabama Universities to launch UTeach STEM teacher preparation programs beginning in spring of 2023.⁠ ⁠ Check out the details on our website: https://westalabamaworks.com/posts/2022/12/07/uwa-one-of-six-alabama-universities-will-launch-uteach-stem-teacher-preparation-programs-

WOW! 🤩 Thank you Central High School students for gifting us this masterpiece of words you thought of to describe your experience at our 2-day Worlds of Work expo in October. ⁠ We are so glad you were engaged and now have career pathways to explore!⁠ ⁠ Thank you! Now we just have to find the perfect spot to hang this in our workspace!

It’s time for a refresh to learn new features and strategies when it comes to LinkedIn. Join us Dec. 13th virtually.⁠ ⁠ Topics: profile photo, profile headliner, education and accomplishments, summary description, connections & more!⁠ ⁠ Register today: https://business.tuscaloosachamber.com/events/details/2022-twelve-steps-to-a-linkedin-profile-refresh-9831

We're just one week away from a morning session looking at key developments in employment law and significant changes in Employee Benefit plans.⁠ ⁠ All employers in the area should attend this important seminar to comply with all new federal and state laws.⁠ ⁠ Register Today: https://bit.ly/3UGwyz5

We've partnered with Greene County Health System to host a hiring event December 6th! ⁠ ⁠ Industry partners include SMP Motherson, DCH Health System, ARD Logistics, Greene County Health System, WestRock & other positions on westalabamajobs.com.⁠ ⁠ For more info. https://westalabamaworks.com/posts/2022/11/21/december-hiring-event-to-be-held-in-greene-county-⁠

Success by the Numbers

$24,450,898

FOR SUPPORT & TRAINING
SINCE 2017

19,184

PEOPLE SERVED THROUGH CAREER CONNECT

27,650+

STUDENTS SERVED AT
WORLD OF WORK EVENTS SINCE 2015

Partners, Pathways, Pipelines

West Al Works gave me something that I couldn't and didn't get from my own family. They helped me get into the online high school program where I had an academic coach who pushed and motivated me to never give up and to keep going. With that push, motivation, and support that was given to me, I was able to obtain my online high school diploma and my office management certificate at the same time. I can say that I've had opportunities and gained experience that I never had before. I know that without the help of those at West Al Works, I wouldn't be where I am, and as far as I am today. I am very appreciative and thankful for all of the support, motivation, and help from those at West Al Works. If y'all had never believed in me, I would not have believed in myself, and I wouldn't be as successful as I am today. Thank you!
Shakeitta Richardson
Student
Career Online High School Graduate, enrolled at Shelton State Community College
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 who is a 'total care child' was more important to me. 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 was not accredited. So this program came about at such a perfect time.
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!
Felicia Stewart-Taylor
High School Graduate at age 46
Smart Horizon Career Online Education
The West AlabamaWorks Team is an extension of our ARD Team and has created a solid pipeline of viable candidates to work within our operations. Currently, West AlabamaWorks is in full collaboration with an automotive task force, with a goal of establishing the much needed Brookwood Logistics Center. This relationship will enhance the flow of even more qualified candidates into the Logistics field to help support the growth in this region.
West AlabamaWorks has taken the vision of helping the less fortunate in the outlying regions to another level, by providing extensive training and retraining while transitioning individuals back into the workforce.
Sylvester Hester
Former President and CEO
ARD Logistics
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
West AlabamaWorks! coordinates and engages all necessary resources to produce results that support the region needs and is an extremely important partner for the automotive industry in this region. They fully support MBUSI and its Suppliers to find 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 to connect business and industry, government and educations leaders.
Rolf Wrona
Vice President of Human Resources
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
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 actually 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
West AlabamaWorks! was a monumental part of my career. I want to thank them for having an event like WOW (Worlds of Work) and allowing me to be apart of it. I was able to learn about different career options at a crucial age when everyone asks "what's next? Now, I am a third year apprentice in the TJAC Local 372 Union working at McAbee Construction. This would not have been possible without having experienced WOW and WOW 2.0 and learning about opportunities right in town. I'm forever Grateful.
Megan Coleman
Apprentice
Local 372 Pipefitters Union
West AlabamaWorks has had a tremendous impact on the education system in our region but on Tuscaloosa City Schools in particular. West AlabamaWorks has helped Tuscaloosa City Schools in facilitating the pipeline for students to either receive training at Shelton State Community College or move directly into the workforce.
Kelly S. Norstrom
Director of Career and Technical Education
Tuscaloosa City Schools
West Alabama Works 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
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, Workforce Development Division, Director of AIDT
Alabama Department of Commerce

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info@westalabamaworks.com