MONTGOMERY – The state of Alabama, led by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, a division of the Alabama Department of Workforce, has been selected as one of 10 states to participate in Apprenticeship America, a national cohort led by the Future Ready Apprenticeship Center, powered by CareerWise in partnership with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Through the cohort, Alabama will receive $200,000 in catalytic implementation funding, along with strategic consulting, technical assistance, peer-learning opportunities and national tools designed to help states expand industry-led registered apprenticeship systems for youth.
Alabama joins Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia as part of the competitive 10-state cohort. Participating states will work to strengthen connections between education, workforce development and industry while expanding access to registered apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand fields.
“Alabama’s selection for Apprenticeship America reflects the strong partnerships and forward-thinking work already taking place across our state,” said Meredith Smith, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. “Registered apprenticeship gives young people the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain hands-on experience and build the skills needed for meaningful careers. This support will help us continue expanding high-quality pathways that meet the needs of Alabama employers and prepare the next generation of our workforce.”
Alabama’s participation will support continued efforts to expand registered youth pathways to registered apprenticeship and address critical workforce needs in industries such as advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, aviation, healthcare, education and technology. The cohort will also help states develop sustainable systems that make it easier for employers, schools and workforce partners to collaborate on career pathways that lead to long-term career success.
The Future Ready Apprenticeship Center is a national hub dedicated to expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities for youth. The Center provides selected states with funding, technical expertise and strategic frameworks to support employer-led apprenticeship systems that connect young people to high-skill careers.
The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship was recognized in March 2020 as a State Apprenticeship Agency by the U.S. Department of Labor. The office works with employers, education partners, workforce development agencies and industry leaders to develop high-quality, demand-driven registered apprenticeship programs across Alabama.The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship works to expand registered apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities across the state. Through partnerships with employers, educators, workforce development agencies and industry leaders, AOA supports high-quality apprenticeship programs that strengthen Alabama’s talent pipeline and help individuals build meaningful careers.
The Alabama Department of Workforce works to connect Alabamians with employment opportunities, support employers in building skilled talent pipelines and strengthen the state’s workforce system through strategic partnerships, programs and services.
Media Release/Alabama Department of Workforce
