Workforce Happenings

TUSCALOOSA, AL – The West Alabama Regional Signing Day Honoring apprenticeships and students entering the workforce will be held on Wednesday May 11, 2022, at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy (TCTA). This is the second Regional Signing Day since 2019, the ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The West Alabama Regional Signing Day was set for April 26, 2022, it is now being moved to May 11, 2022. The new date will ensure each student has the proper timeframe to decide on entering an apprenticeship, or full-time employment and to go through the employment/onboarding process provided by employers. Approximately 60+ local high school seniors have decided their career path after graduation.

“Due to the overwhelming success of WOW 2.0 and employers still offering job offers, we wanted to make sure we did not leave any seniors out from being celebrated during Signing Day,” said West Alabama Works Executive Director and Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama COO, Donny Jones. “If that means giving our industry partners more time to make a decision to employ our great West Alabama students, we will.”

Companies participating by awarding apprenticeships and contingent job offers include: Alabama Department of Corrections, ARD Logistics, BF Goodrich, Brose Tuscaloosa Inc., Coral Industries, DCH Health System, Embassy Suites Tuscaloosa, Lear, Premier Service Company, Schnellecke Logistics Alabama, SMP Automotive Systems (Motherson), Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility, MBUSI, Phifer, Warrior Met Coal, WestRock Eutaw, and Tuscaloosa Joint Apprenticeship Commission (TJAC).

14 schools within six school systems will be represented at the event, with students from: Tuscaloosa City, Tuscaloosa County, Greene, Bibb, Hale, and Fayette counties.

Students entering apprenticeships will train with a company or training organization in a skilled trade, such as welding, manufacturing, and construction among others. Many will also attend a technical school or college as part of the apprenticeship.

The Career technical education students have signed contingent offers to begin full-time employment following graduation.

A portion of the honorees earned their job or apprenticeship offers through WOW 2.0, an event for high school seniors that was held April 6^th at Shelton State Community College. The event is a continuation of West Alabama Works’ annual Worlds of Work (WOW) event for eighth graders. The events help West Alabama students learn about the competitive, fulfilling work opportunities in the region.

Signing Day is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the ceremony catered by TCTA’s Culinary and Hospitality Program to honor participants.