BCA President and CEO Helena Duncan stood with Governor Kay Ivey on May 9th as they marked a pivotal moment in Alabama's economic trajectory. Together, they enacted the 'Working for Alabama' economic and workforce development package, heralding a new era of progressive worker training, employment incentives, and labor force expansion across the state.
Duncan emphasized the urgency of adopting a 21st-century approach to economic and workforce development to attract and sustain modern jobs. She stressed that the package is designed to create a job-ready workforce by assisting Alabamians in identifying their skills, talents, and career aspirations, while also providing the necessary resources to nurture and refine them.
The success of this initiative was the culmination of a collaborative effort involving political and business leaders, economic developers, and various stakeholders who recognized the urgent need for a comprehensive workforce development strategy.
Key figures instrumental in shaping this initiative include Governor Kay Ivey, renowned for her achievements in job recruitment and economic development, and Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, whose Commission on 21st Century Workforce laid the groundwork for the plan. Duncan also acknowledged the pivotal role played by corporate partners such as Alabama Power, who actively supported the realization of this vision.
Despite Alabama's impressive unemployment rate and economic growth, the state faces the paradoxical issue of a significant portion of its population remaining detached from the labor force. Approximately 50,000 Alabamians are not engaged in the job market, despite the presence of around 140,000 available employment opportunities.
The 'Working for Alabama' package incentivizes individuals to actively join the workforce, therefore maximizing the state's economic potential. Alabama's journey toward a more prosperous future exemplifies the power of collective effort and underscores the belief that united action can surmount any challenge, ultimately paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for all its citizens.
