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

 

January 31, 2024

 

Issue 27

 

Find archived issues HERE.
 

ShoalsWORKS! Newsletter 1st Quarter Sponsor
 

    EQUIP    

Alabama Space Roundtable

Virtual meeting for space companies to be held February 1

 

What: Alabama Space Roundtable Virtual Meeting (on Zoom)

Date: February 1, 2024

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am

 

North Alabama space companies are invited to participate in the newly formed Alabama Space Roundtable. View the video linked below to learn about the purpose of the group. For more information, contact Stephanie McCulloch at smcculloch@northalabamaworks.com.

 

With the announcement of the former Freightcar plant being sold to an investment company seeking an aerospace-related industry to occupy it, its's not too soon to begin preparing by participating in the Alabama Space Roundtable.

 

The Alabama Space Rountable is a collaboration between Employers, Educators and Community Partners to benefit the space industry in North Alabama.

Upcoming North Alabama WORKS! Events

February 1

Alabama Space Roundtable

for Space Companies

10 - 11 am

 

February 20

NAW Industry Cluster Resource Webinar

9 - 10 am

 

February 22

NAW Nonprofit Network Zoom

10 - 11 am

 

February 28

NAW 2024 Workforce Summit &

NAW + WIOA Board Meetings

 
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
 

Tootris is endorsed by

Alabama's Governors Office of Education & Workforce Transformation

Looking for ...

                             Increased recruiting & retention?

                             Increased employee productivity?

                             Improved employee health?

                             Increased employee job satisfaction?

 

CFOs can drive organizational success through strategic HR benefits. To see the ROI of Child Care Benefits, this CFO Statistical Guide provides essential data to help finance teams make informed decisions on implementing and structuring benefits for maximum impact and ROI. Grab the report now:

With 83% of women and 81% of men emphasizing the importance of Child Care Benefits in their employment decisions, and 69% of parents citing its impact on their careers, the need for Child Care assistance is clear.

 

"Finding quality & affordable Child Care is an ongoing challenge for our team members with young children as it is for all working parents. The partnership with TOOTRiS allows them to arrange for reliable Child Care, whether planned or in an emergency. They no longer have to scramble to get shifts covered when a child gets sick, or their regular caregiver is unavailable." - Alison Wagner, Head of Human Resources at Urban Plates
 

Revealing hidden potential

 

The 2024 State of the Future U.S. Workforce Report findings emphasize the importance of using personalized, aptitude-based academic and career guidance to bridge the career exposure gap and create a brighter future for all.

Report Summary

 

A wave of innovations will forever change the workforce landscape, and students today must discover and tap into their natural talents to thrive in the future economy.

Highlights from this report:

  • Insights and data analysis of anonymized 2023 data from 540,000 middle and high school students from across all 50 states
  • Aptitude and exposure gap data for in-demand career fields such as Health Sciences Computers & Technology and Advanced Manufacturing
  • Recommended solutions to solve the skills gap and better connecting education to industry
The data shows students have aptitudes to be successful in in-demand careers. The issue, as you’ll see in the report, is student interest in these careers is low.
 
Shoals area schools that use YouScience and can connect Employers with students who have the confirmed aptitudes needed for specific career paths:

How Alabama employers use YouScience

Forward-thinking chambers and employers are using YouScience to identify and develop talent within their communities. Hear how a Google sponsorship is changing the talent landscape for local employers.
Video
 
 

Resources to

Hire & Train Veterans

Find multiple resources to hire and train Veterans to fill your job openings on the Shoals Workforce Resources website.
 

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.
 

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

 

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.

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

 
 

Customized Workforce Training

~ at No Cost ~

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

Attention Employers!

 

RECRUIT from 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 directly to its Career Center.

QUICK  LIINKS

to Shoals area institutions:

 

Heritage Christian University

 

Northwest Shoals Community College

 

University of North Alabama
 

RECRUITMENT

Events & Information at UNA

The UNA Career Center is committed to empowering students and alumni in all phases of their career development.  In support of this mission, the Career Center serves as the primary resource on campus for career related information, providing necessary resources, services, and programs to facilitate successful career development as it relates to students, alumni, faculty, and employers.

 

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
 

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. 
 

     EMPOWER     

FREE

Summer Study Programs in

Entrepreneurship  &  STEM

for Middle and High School Students & Teachers

Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and

Appalachian STEM Academy applications

DUE  February 2, 2024.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. ? 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.
 

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 Businesses

FREE Job Board

Current Job Listings
 

Statewide Job Board


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

  • Post 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

CONGRATULATIONS!

Shoals Teacher of the Month

The January Teacher of the Month awards go to ...

 

Middle / High School Award

JENNIFER  MORGAN

English Teacher, Colbert County High School

“She always helps us to the best of her ability. She keeps us busy and holds us accountable for our actions and she cares about us. She always checks on us and makes sure we are doing well mentally and makes sure we understand the material that we are leaning because some of the texts are hard to understand.”

“She is very caring and listens to us, always helps in any way she can whether that’s outside of school or inside, and just an overall sweetheart. she does everything she can to make sure we are going to succeed in school and as adults.”

“She always listens to us and let us talk to her about our problems and she always makes sure we are okay, and she doesn't pick favorites or treat anybody less than they are or different. She is a very kind and sweet soul.”

“She always goes the extra mile to make sure we understand what we are doing she is very kind and helpful to all the students.”

 

Elementary Award

CLAIRE  KIEL

Kindergarten, Threadgill Primary School

“Wonderful communications and great with children. Always smiling and pushing for the best out of the students in her class. She makes the classroom warm and exciting. Great Teacher!”

“Ms. Kiel is amazing! Her positive energy causes my child not to want to miss a day of school. She often asks to go during the weekend. As a mother, I value communication and she has always made an effort to keep me informed about my child's behavior. My daughter lost her 1st tooth while at school and Ms. Kiel sent me a picture and put her tooth in a special keepsake. My baby is excelling socially and academically and a big part of that is because of the love and support of Ms. Kiel.”

“Ms. Kiel is wonderful with the students and loves her job. She always has a smile on her face and provides a great atmosphere and learning environment for her students. She is a great teacher.”

“SHE'S AWESOME!”
 

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.]
 

A platform for international students to search for scholarships around the world. Our mission is to provide an accessible way for international students to search and find comprehensive, accurate, and updated scholarship information.
 

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

Kilby Laboratory School Ranks on 

U.S. News & World Report List for First Time

FLORENCE, AL ? Kilby Laboratory School on the University of North Alabama campus has ranked 21st among Best Elementary Schools in Alabama on the list out from U.S. News & World Report. It is the first time for Kilby to appear in this publication, and it is among the Top 40 percent of elementary school in Alabama, making it a U.S. News Best Elementary Schools. Kilby’s overall score is 96.98 out of 100 possible points. 

 

Read more HERE.
 

Russellville Middle School

NEW Robotics Competitions

SPONSORS  NEEDED

Contact Lee Brownell for more information:

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

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.
 

Thank you to our ShoalsWORKS! Workforce Champion Sponsors!