Workforce Happenings

WOW 2.0, an event that targeted high school seniors had tremendous success. 27 total companies were in attendance hiring for 978 positions. Out of 12 school systems in the nine county West Alabama Region there were 418 contingent job offers given out to high school seniors.

“It’s a great environment it’s multiple jobs for everyone there is always something for someone it’s not just a specific type of job like automotive or trucking. There is something for you here.” – Greensboro High School senior (Hale County)

“Everyone is very friendly and there are multiple job opportunities. It’s a really good way to further your career as a person and to find out who you are, what you believe in, and what you want to do with your life.” – Northridge High School senior (Tuscaloosa City)

High school seniors were able to speak with not only industry-professionals, but also post-secondary schools, in a job fair setting. They engaged with employers and colleges in seeking part-time, full-time, apprenticeship, and internship opportunities.

“Honestly this was fun. Some companies I have never seen before and the opportunities that I get here is phenomenal and I love that I came. I also applied to some of the colleges that I didn’t get a chance to do so this is awesome event, I love it.”-Bibb County High School senior (Bibb County)

“We’re making sure they are positively placed after their diploma, whether that’s directly into a college or directly into a career. Today it’s all about careers, said Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools.

We express gratitude and appreciation to each company in attendance who dedicated their time and resources to take part in WOW 2.0. Those companies consist of: ABH Enterprises/Mid States, Alabama Department of Corrections, Ard Logistics, Bama Dining, BF Goodrich, Brose Tuscaloosa Inc., Buffalo Rock Company, Coral Industries, DCH Health System, Embassy Suites Tuscaloosa, Foster Poultry Farms, Lear Corporation, Holiday Inn Express University / Candlewood Suites, IAC Group, K & A Builders, Inc, Martinrea Tuscaloosa, Peco Foods, Inc, Premier Service Company, Schnellecke Logistics Alabama, SMP Automotive Systems of Alabama, Inc., SSAB Wear Solutions, Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility, The Ōnin Group-MBUSI, The Onin Group-Phifer, Warrior Met Coal, WestRock Eutaw, and ZF Chassis Systems.

“A lot of them don’t know what we do so we get to tell them a little about what we do, said Pamela Jones, Bama Dining. “We have a lot of entry level positions, and we can work with all schedules. My story to the students is come out and work for us now and save up some money before graduation,” said Jones.

“Having companies come out to events like WOW 2.0 helps us as a community keep individuals who are in surrounding counties and in Tuscaloosa to stay here, work here, and thrive here,” said Tusamba Carter, DCH Health Systems.

Following WOW 2.0, April 26, 2022, West AlabamaWorks! will be honoring those students who have entered an apprenticeship or earned a full-time job through WOW 2.0. West Alabama Regional Signing Day is taking place at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy at 5:30pm.

For more information about WOW 2.0 visit here