To further advance workforce opportunities for North Alabama businesses and citizens, Region 1 workforce partners convened December 9 for team collaboration around the Alabama Workforce Stabilization Program (AWSP).

The purpose of the AWSP is to provide opportunities for thousands of Alabama workers displaced by COVID-19 to develop new skills in high demand industries of Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Transportation/Distribution/Logistics, and Construction. The program aims to help Alabama businesses avoid layoffs, upskill current employees, and develop talent pipelines. The method for participation in the AWSP is employer driven, but the ultimate goal is to assist the individual worker.

We are grateful for the teamwork of the Alabama Community College System, the Alabama Career Centers of the Alabama Department of Labor, and the Alabama Department of Commerce. North Alabama community college representatives joined us from Bevill State, Drake State, Calhoun, Gadsden State, Northwest-Shoals, Northeast, Snead State, and Wallace State.

Thank you to Dr. Vicki Karolewics of Wallace State for hosting and providing lunch for this great team building event and to Dr. Jimmy Hodges of Calhoun for furnishing drinks and snacks.

Special thanks go to our team’s primary AWSP experts: Dana Wolfe (ACCS), Eddie Martin (AL Dept. of Commerce), Houston Blackwood (Calhoun/ACCS), and Randy Hinshaw (Huntsville Career Center), along with the regional AWSP panel: Ronnie Boles (WIOA Board Chairman), Scott Russo (NAW Board Chairman), and Zach Lee (ACCS). This core group is moving the opportunity needle forward for North Alabama businesses and citizens. We’re also extremely grateful for the assistance of Courtney Monette (ACCS) and Terry Comer (AL Dept. of Commerce).

For more information about AWSP, please contact Stephanie McCulloch, Eddie Martin, or Dana Wolfe.

Alabama Workforce Stabilization Program