Workforce Happenings

Educators from across West Alabama will tour Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and other forces in the automotive industry Tuesday, Jan. 22 and Friday, Jan. 24. The event is through West Alabama Works’ award-winning Educator Workforce Academy. 

“In order to fix our workforce development problem, we must start with our educators. It’s key for them to understand opportunities for their students. This is all about process, not unnecessary programs,” said Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama COO and West Alabama Works Executive Director Donny Jones.  

Educator Workforce Academy fellows spend a year engaging with leaders in industry and workforce development throughout the region. They meet four times a year and focus on different industries with each meeting. This year’s class of 81 participants is divided into two cohorts, representing Tuscaloosa County School System, Tuscaloosa City Schools, Fayette County Schools, Bibb County Schools, Marengo County Schools, Hale County Schools and Pickens County Schools. 

“The academy is different because it focuses on training the superintendents first, then trickling down to principals, assistant principals, guidance counselors and lead teachers. By engaging each system’s superintendent, the Academy can affect an entire school system,” said West Alabama Works Program Manager Brittani Colburn. 

In addition to Mercedes, the group will tour ZF Chassis Systems, LLC, Brookwood High School’s CTE Annex and the Brookwood Workforce Center. Learn more about the Academy here.