MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, of the Alabama Department of Workforce, today announced 20 regional honorees recognized for their innovative approaches to work-based learning. The recognition is presented in partnership with the Alabama Community College System, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, and the Alabama State Department of Education.
The honorees will showcase their programs at regional work-based learning events across Alabama this fall, where they will compete for the Alabama Work-Based Learning Seal of Excellence. Statewide winners will be announced in November and formally recognized during the Alabama Summit on Talent Retention and Work-Based Learning, taking place February 10-12 in Montgomery.
The 2026-2027 honorees are:
- Auburn City Schools, City of Auburn and Southern Union State Community College
- Auburn University
- Baldwin County Schools
- Bishop State Community College
- Brasfield & Gorrie
- Calhoun Community College
- Coastal Alabama Community College and Collins Aerospace
- East Alabama Health
- Fairfield City Schools
- Holtville High School
- Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
- Northwest Shoals Community College
- Reid State Community College
- Skilled Trades of West Alabama
- Sonoco Reels & Plugs
- Talladega County Schools
- University of South Alabama
- Wallace Community College-Dothan
- Wallace State Community College
- Walker County Schools and Alabama Power
“These honorees are demonstrating how thoughtful partnerships and innovative programs can create meaningful career opportunities for Alabamians,” said Meredith Smith, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. “The regional events give workforce professionals and partners an opportunity to learn directly from one another, exchange proven ideas, and take those strategies back to their communities.”
The regional events are designed to highlight effective work-based learning practices while encouraging collaboration among educators, employers and workforce professionals. By sharing successful approaches from across Alabama, participants can identify ideas that may be adapted and scaled to expand high-quality work-based learning opportunities in their own communities.
The Alabama Work-Based Learning Seal of Excellence supports AOA’s broader mission to expand registered apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning statewide. The recognition elevates successful programs that connect classroom learning with practical experience, prepare Alabamians for in-demand careers and help employers build a skilled talent pipeline.
About the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship
The mission of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship is to expand the use of registered apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning. Working with employers and training providers across Alabama, AOA develops high-quality career training that enables workers and employers to prosper while supporting the continued economic development of the state.
For more information, visit www.alapprentice.org.
