Workforce Happenings

WOW 2.0, an event that targeted high school seniors had tremendous success. 25 total companies were in attendance hiring for 1,100 positions. There were 230 students in attendance. Eight counties were represented out of the nine county West Alabama Region. We are proud to announce there were 610 contingent job offers given out to high school seniors, that’s 192 more contingent job offers than the 2022-year WOW 2.0 event.

“Being at WOW 2.0 is very exciting, I get to interview with companies, get job opportunities and I also have a sense of hope that I am going into a company and straight to the workforce.” – Kaylin Blair, Northridge High School Senior  

“My experience with WOW 2.0 has been nothing but a fresh breeze of air. I have met different organizations, different companies, and talked to different people, different investors, and making more connections that I have ever made. It's been just a great experience. I thank you all for this great experience. I will take these interactions, these experiences with me wherever I go. Thank you all so much.” – Marquell Griffin, Central High School Senior

“I received a job offer from Brasfield and Gorrie and I am excited because they made me feel comfortable by just interviewing with them. That’s the kind of company I want to work for.” – Napoleon Hughes, Greene County High School

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.

“I got two job offers at WOW 2.0. I have never had a job before, so I am about to get this money.” – Tye Lewis, Sipsey Valley High School Senior

This year, we were able to speak with Hillcrest High School graduate who went through WOW 2.0 last year, who is currently in the Mercedes-Benz Mechatronics Program.

“Coming to WOW 2.0 opened my eyes to different possibilities and different ways that I can go throughout Mercedes. Just because I am in this one program, there are still different programs and different opportunities for a career,” said Tobias Watford Jr., Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Mechatronics Program (Hillcrest High School graduate). “Being in this program has taught me different life skills and trades that I can take anywhere throughout my life. I would make the same decision all over again by attending WOW 2.0 which created the path I’m on today,” said Watford.

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: Alabama Credit Union, ARD Logistics, Bama Dining, BFGoodrich, Bibb Medical Center, Brasfield & Gorrie, Bryce Hospital, Chick-fil-A, DCH Health System, Foster Farms, Jolly Heating Air & Conditioning Inc., Lear Corporation, Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatry Center, North River Yacht Club, Motherson-SMP, Premier Service Company, Inc., Schnellecke Logistics Alabama, Remmert & Company, Taylor Hardin, Turner & Schoel, Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority, Valmont Utility, Warrior Met Coal, WestRock, and ZF Tuscaloosa.

Following WOW 2.0, May 2, 2023, 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 visit our website.