MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Alabama has been selected as one of 10 states to participate in Apprenticeship America, a national initiative aimed at expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities for young people and strengthening workforce development efforts.
According to the Alabama Department of Workforce, the state will receive $200,000 in implementation funding along with strategic consulting, technical assistance, peer-learning opportunities and other resources through the program.
The initiative is 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.
Alabama was chosen alongside Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia as part of the competitive 10-state cohort.
“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.”
State officials said the funding and support will help Alabama continue expanding youth apprenticeship pathways and address workforce needs in industries including advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, aviation, healthcare, education and technology.
The program is designed to strengthen connections between education, workforce development and industry while creating additional career opportunities in high-demand fields.
The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, a division of the Alabama Department of Workforce, was recognized as a State Apprenticeship Agency by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2020. The office works with employers, educational institutions and workforce partners to develop registered apprenticeship programs across the state.
Officials said the initiative will help create sustainable systems that make it easier for employers, schools and workforce organizations to work together in developing career pathways that lead to long-term employment success.