February 24, 2024 Group Watch: AL Workforce Competitiveness has “Transformative” New Plan
A commission tasked with crafting a path to modernize Alabama’s workforce competitiveness has released what it calls a “landmark plan.” The 21st Century Work Force Commission, created by the Alabama legislature in 2019 and led by Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, is pushing to grow the state’s economic recruitment abilities, labor force participation rate and developing effective training and employment of Alabamians. The multi-pronged plan includes merging unaligned and duplicative workforce development agencies; collaboration with Alabama employers; development of an Alabama workforce plan; accountability benchmarks for workforce outcomes; workforce pathways diplomas and investment in county career technical centers; recruitment into in-demand jobs; public-private solutions to barriers; creating easier access to scholarships for military transition; child care tax credits; mental health and addiction diversion programs; and housing tax credits.
