TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Workforce is exploring new strategies to enhance and expand the workforce in Tuscaloosa County, a top priority for the Alabama Legislature and Governor Kay Ivey, according to Greg Reed, Secretary of the Department of Workforce.
Reed highlighted the importance of not only addressing unemployment, which is at an all-time low in Tuscaloosa County, but also focusing on workforce participation rates and the training level of new and existing workers.
“The other thing that’s of interest to us is the workforce participation rate and how many people are actually in the workforce and then those that are in the workforce or coming to the workforce, how well trained are they,” Reed said.
Tuscaloosa is experiencing a manufacturing boom, with companies like Mercedes-Benz employing approximately 6,000 workers across two campuses. Reed emphasized the need for the Alabama Legislature to allocate funds effectively to sustain this growth.
“On career tech education, apprenticeship programs, those kinds of programs are new ideas that got a lot more focus than they had in past years,” Reed said. “Money is coming to those dual enrollment where kids are in college and in high school at the same time.”
Local school systems are also engaging more with parents and students about post-graduation career pathways. Dr. Keri Johnson, Superintendent of the Tuscaloosa County School System, noted the high-tech nature of career tech courses.
“All of our career tech courses are very high-tech courses, and our kids are getting a great education and they are ready to go into the workforce when they leave us,” Johnson said.
Reed added that the Department of Workforce aims to support community efforts in Tuscaloosa.
“Help collaborate with the communities on all the good work that’s going in Tuscaloosa, how can we make sure that they are supported,” Reed said.
Ensuring that the skill set of each employee meets industry needs within the community remains a key focus for the department.