Don't miss the latest news and resources for workforce, training, job seekers & education!

Workforce News & Resources

brought to you by the Shoals Chamber & the ShoalsWORKS! Council

 

Presented by

 

December 20, 2023

 

Issue 24

 

Find archived issues HERE.
 

    EQUIP    

Article contributed by NorthAlabamaWORKS!

 

Governor Kay Ivey announced the official launch of the Alabama Talent Triad ? a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing the workforce landscape of the state. The Alabama Talent Triad is committed to fostering economic growth by investing in the development and empowerment of the Alabama workforce.

 

At its core, the Alabama Talent Triad stands for a collaborative approach, integrating three key elements: education, industry, and government. By bringing together these sectors, Governor Ivey aims to ensure a well-rounded and thriving workforce that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

 

The mission of the Alabama Talent Triad is clear: to improve the workforce economy of the state. As Alabama faces the challenges of a competitive global market, it is imperative that the state equips its workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in a modern economy.

 

Additionally, the Alabama Talent Triad recognizes the crucial role of government in fostering a supportive ecosystem for businesses and job creation. By working closely with industry leaders and leveraging governmental resources, we will create an environment that attracts investments and promotes job growth statewide.

 

Join us on this momentous journey as we work with Alabama to reshape its workforce by creating your account at www.alabamatalenttriad.com.
 

ATN Offering Free 30-Day Trial of CONNEX Alabama
Supply Chain Database (National Access)

 

CONNEX? Alabama is an online platform that connects all U.S. manufacturers into one single, accurate, and searchable supply chain database.

 

Through CONNEX? Alabama, Alabama manufacturers can connect with each other, find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities, and manage their supply chains.

 

What are the benefits of CONNEX??

Detailed listings, combined with the extensive search capability of CONNEX?, help manufacturers find qualified domestic suppliers with the specific products, services, and manufacturing capabilities you need. You can also use it to find new customers whose needs fit your capabilities.

 

Powerful interactive networking tools let manufacturers see and be seen by people in the statewide and national supply chain. Manufacturers can:

  • Connect with buyers, primes, OEMs, and other qualified manufacturers who have what you need, or who need what you have
  • Participate in OEM purchasing events, matchmaking sessions, and industry forums designed to help grow your domestic supplier base
  • Post and respond to RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs
  • Publish needs or surplus notifications

 

If you’re also a supplier, you can easily discover large manufacturers' needs and respond to their RFI/RFQ/RFPs for new contract opportunities, all within CONNEX? Alabama. You can also make your profile listing work by providing searchable details about your company’s products and capabilities so buyers can find you.

 

Alabama manufacturers can now try CONNEX? Alabama free for 30 days with the promo code FREE30. Contact Whitney Barlow for more information about CONNEX Alabama or schedule a time for Whitney to present CONNEX to your facility

Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association Offers Scholarships to Alabama’s Community Colleges

The AAMA and the Alabama Community College System are teaming up to help Alabamians interested in pursuing a technical education certificate or associate degree in preparation for a career related to the automotive manufacturing industry.

 

Seventy scholarships are available to residents interested in attending one of Alabama’s community colleges to train for careers in the state’s automotive manufacturing industry. The scholarships are the result of a partnership between the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS).

 

The $4,000 scholarships are available to students enrolled in an Alabama community college program associated with automotive manufacturing careers. Interested high school seniors, residents interested in attending college, and current college students with at least a 2.5 GPA are invited to learn more and apply at the link below.

 

Deadline to apply is Tuesday, November 14.
 

New Resource!

Career Connect

EMPLOYERS 

Register your jobs at HERE and they will be listed in the

North Alabama Career Connects system.

 

JOB  SEEKERS

Take a few minutes and answer a few questions to create your digital resume,

then find a job in the region to move your CAREER forward! 

Career Connect is there to help every step of the way.
 

Free Chamber Member Job Board

Attention Employers!

 

Remember to use your free Job Board benefit

to post your job openings.

 

Contact the Chamber if you need assistance.

256-764-4661, snewland@shoalschamber.com

 
 

This toolkit is designed as a guide for employers interested in developing a new high school internship program or improving an existing one.

 
Searchable by State, Region and Metro Area

 

Alabama Interactive Occupational Employment and Wage Survey

Estimates are adjusted to reflect the most recent available quarter's

Employment Cost Index (ECI)

 

Interactive Reports - searchable by Area, Sector,

Occupation, Wage Level, etc.

(Alphabetical Occupations, Occupational Group Detail,

Occupations by Industry & Bubble Chart)​

 

Printable Reports (PDF), Searchable by Area:​

Florence Metro

NW Region

Statewide
 

Customized Workforce Training

~ at No Cost ~

For more information contact Andrew Robbins at andrew.robbins@nwscc.edu, 256-331-5218. 
 

RECRUITMENT

Events & Information at UNA

Fall 2023
  • We will also begin using HandShake in addition to Symplicity to connect students with employers so be on the lookout for that invitation very soon.

For more information contact:

    Rickey McCreless 

    Assistant Director External Connections & Student Success
    UNA Career Center

    256.765.4277

    rjmccreless@una.edu
 

(Check out the new NWSCC logo!)

Find Your Next Employees through

NWSCC Career Center

The Career Center at Northwest-Shoals Community College understands the value of transforming high-quality education into gainful employment. Our services prepare students to make informed decisions about their strengths and values as they discover future paths for success.

 

For more information contact;

     Amanda Peters

     Career Center Coordinator

     256-331-8062

     amanda.terry@nwscc.edu
 

Attention Employers!

RECRUITING  OPPORTUNITIES

at COLLEGES  

Around the State & Region

CONNECT  DIRECTLY

to over 40 Colleges' & Universities'

Career Center & Employer Services pages HERE.

 

Recruit from colleges in The Shoals, the State & the Region

for your next full- or part-time employees, interns, co-ops or apprentices.

 

Each College listed is linked to its 

QUICK  LIINKS

to Shoals area institutions:

 

Heritage Christian University

 

Northwest Shoals Community College

 

University of North Alabama
 

To find ATN's most recent newsletters, Network News,

chocked full of Training and Networking resources

Click HERE 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 ATN provides many FREE monthly 

Environmental Health & Safety Webinars 

Click HERE

for more information. 
 

Child Care Benefit ROI

Child Care Benefits show a
94% retention rate for employees!
 

     EMPOWER     

ShoalsWORKS! Council

JOIN  THE  DISCUSSION!

 

The Shoals Works Council, convened by The Shoals Chamber, works to guide policy and curriculum to ensure skills held by the local workforce match the needs of employers. 

 

Participation is open to business leaders, educators, training providers and community organizations interested in workforce-related issues.

 

Those interested in participating in the council may email snewland@shoalschamber.com.
 

FREE

Summer Study Programs in Entrepreneurship and STEM

for Middle and High School Students & Teachers

Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and Appalachian STEM Academy

applications due February 2, 2024.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 12, 2023?The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for two summer study opportunities: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge. Both programs, planned for summer 2023, are free intensive learning experiences specifically for the Appalachian Region’s high school and/or middle school students and teachers.

 

The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA), developed in partnership with Appalachian State University, EntreEd, and STEM West, prepares the next generation of regional entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. High school students from across Appalachia will be selected to participate in a comprehensive learning curriculum designed to cultivate creativity, sharpen business acumen, and develop skills essential for entrepreneurial success. The students will have the opportunity to develop and implement business ideas, refine and prototype those ideas, and eventually deliver a shark-tank-style pitch presentation for an audience of entrepreneurs. AEA will be held from July 6-19, 2024, at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. More information and application materials are available at www.arc.gov/AEA.

 

The Appalachian STEM Academy is a hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region. Working with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, high school and middle school students conduct guided group science, math, and computer science technology research projects, while high school teachers work with science practitioners to develop STEM-related curriculum. Many students gain their first exposure to applied science and STEM education through this experience.

 

The academy sessions will take place on the follow dates:

  • Middle School STEM Academy Session 1: July 6-12, 2024
  • Middle School STEM Academy Session 2: July 13-19, 2024
  • High School STEM Academy: July 6-19, 2024

 

Applications for both opportunities are due February 2, 2024.

 

“Now is the time to grow and support the next generation of Appalachian leaders,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “Through the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and Appalachian STEM Academy, students will sharpen their critical thinking, leadership, and collaboration skills, and build lasting friendships, which will in turn have a positive impact not only on their futures, but the future of the entire Appalachian region.”

 

“In Eastern Kentucky, and across the Appalachian region, we have a wealth of talented young people who deserve our support and investment,” said ARC 2023 States’ Co-Chair, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. “These students are leaders and change-makers who have the talent to bring positive change to their communities and beyond. When we provide our students with opportunities to learn and grow, we set our region up for success in the future.” 

###

 

About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
 

Russellville Middle School

NEW Robotics Competitions

SPONSORS  NEEDED

Contact Lee Brownell for more information:

lee.brownell@rcs.k12.al.us, 256-331-2120. 
 

Network each month with other HR Professionals

 

Shoals SHRM

2nd Thursday of each Month

11:30 - 1:00 

First Metro Bank

Pine Street, Florence, AL

 

Lunch:  $10 Members;  $15 Non-Members

 

RSVP to shoals.shrm@gmail.com

 

Meetings & Events page:

 https://shoalschaptershrm.shrm.org/events
 

Chamber Member Job Board

Current Job Listings
 

Statewide Job Board


Alabamaworks.alabama.gov is a great resource for Alabama citizens and businesses.

  • List jobs
  • Look for jobs (searchable by zip code or city)
  • Research careers and pathways
  • Information to help you move your career forward

For more information, contact:

     Alabama Career Center (Sheffield) 

     Sheffield@alcc.alabama.gov

     (256) 383‑5610

     500 South Montgomery Ave., Suite 102, Sheffield
 

EDUCATE

Get to Know Our

Career Technical Educators

Scott Jones

Lauderdale County Schools

Principal, Allen Thornton Career Technical Center

Scott Jones is a lifelong resident of Lauderdale County and a graduate of Wilson High School. He attended Shoals Community College, then graduated from Athens State College with a B.S.Ed. with a concentration in English, History and Political Science. Jones then earned a Ma in history and added an endorsement in school administration from the University of North Alabama. He finished his education with an Ed.S from Middle Tennessee State University.

 

Jones served in teaching and leadership roles for over 20 years at Waterloo and Central High Schools respectively, and most recently was selected to serve as principal at Allen Thornton Career Technical Center.

 

Jones’ goal is to train students for the real world by offering them the opportunity to gain the skills, training and credentials needed to enter the workforce or apprentice program, or the foundation to go to college.

 

Some recent accomplishments Jones is excited about include:

  • Expanding students’ dual enrollment opportunities with Northwest Shoals and UNA from 3 programs to now every program on campus has a dual enrollment component.
  • Increased enrollment, which he attributes it to creating a good culture and to more people becoming aware that career tech offers some of the highest trained and highest paid careers available.
  • A final project that is super exciting is the proposed new career tech center. Bids opened on December 14 and hope to start soon. The new CTC will accommodate more students and offer a higher quality technology to equip students better. This will allow us to produce highly skilled and educated graduates to better serve the businesses and citizens of Lauderdale County.

Upcoming Events:

  • December 14 - Bids opened for the new Lauderdale County Schools Career Tech Center

Allen Thornton's Career Technical Programs include:

  • Agri-Science
  • Auto Collision
  • Auto Mechanics
  • Building Construction
  • Business Administrative Services
  • Cosmetology
  • Culinary
  • Cyber Security
  • Electrical
  • Engineering
  • Family and Consumer Science
  • Health Science
  • Industrial Systems
  • Precision Machining
  • Teaching and Training
  • Welding
  • Work-Based Learning / Co-Op

Employers, to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact Scott.

Scott Jones

Lauderdale County Schools

Principal, Allen Thornton Career Technical Center

256-757-2101

robert.jones@lcschools.org
 

Connect with Your Future Workforce 

through Career Tech Educators

Colbert County Schools

Florence City Schools

Lauderdale County Schools

Muscle Shoals City Schools

Sheffield City Schools

Tuscumbia City Schools
 

Chamber Partner Program

DONATTIONS  ARE  ALWAYS  NEEDED  &  APPRECIATED!

 

All donations are tax-deductible, made to the

Shoals Area Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

 

Cash for new supplies, gently used school & office supplies, equipment,

furniture, etc. are  needed to assist our educators in the classroom.

 

For more information, contact:

Mary Beshears, (256) 710-1436, jbeshears@yahoo.com
 

NEWS  &  RESOURCES

Top 10 Best

Scholarship Search Platforms

It's not too early to begin the search for college scholarships!

Even if you have a good summer job, you likely won’t make enough to pay for college. You also might not have the money you need to cover your living expenses, textbooks and a dorm room.

 

That is why you need to look for scholarships that will cover some or all of those costs.

 

Scholarship programs often include funds that go unclaimed each year and offer money that you do not need to repay. As you start your career, you don’t want to worry about loans and how you will pay them when you have other bills to worry about.

 

Using college scholarship search platforms is the easiest way to find programs that you qualify for and learn how to get that money. We ranked the 10 best scholarship search platforms that you can use while planning for the future.  [Click below to get the list.]
 

If you have

Job Opportunities for

Lexington High School Students,

please post them HERE.

 

Questions?  Jared Hines, H. S. Counselor, jared.hines@lcschools.org, (256) 229-6622.
 

Don't miss all the great events, activities & workshops at the Library!

Keep the whole family busy & learning!

 

See the Upcoming Events at the top left on the Home Page.

Find them on Facebook here.
 

Whether you or your kids are into workforce education, farming, food safety, financial education, gardening, 4-H Club, raising chickens, keeping bees, learning archery, or so much more, the Lauderdale County Cooperative Extension office has a program for you!

 

Check out their Calendar of Events for the myriad of events and workshops that might be of interest.  Keep a check on their Facebook page as well. 
 

A Better Path Connecting Education to the Real World

YouScience® Brightpath is the only aptitude-based guidance platform that leverages data and technology to help individuals identify their aptitudes, validate their skills, and get matched with educational and career pathways.

 

Brightpath brings all of your career, technical education (CTE) and pathway development applications together in a comprehensive platform designed to make your work easier and more fulfilling.
 

The new statewide AlabamaWorks website is now live,

with resources for

Employers, Job Seekers & Students.

 

Check it out!

www.alabamaworks.com
 

Thank you to our ShoalsWORKS! Workforce Champion Sponsors!
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