The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA) recently launched an innovative tool in the organization’s effort to promote registered apprenticeship expansion in Alabama.
As part of the Yellowhammer News Connect to your Future series, the following serves as information from series sponsor Alabama Works regarding a first-of-its-kind interactive dashboard created to promote the vast apprenticeship offerings around the state.
The multipurpose dashboard, developed in partnership with the University of Alabama Education Policy Center (EPC), is one of the nation’s first tools which provide a diverse grouping of stakeholders with in an all-in-one format to search registered apprenticeships at the state level.
The dashboard allows users to explore and learn about apprenticeable and in-demand occupations for which a program can be constructed.
AOA director Josh Laney expressed his belief that the dashboard will open new opportunities and will prove beneficial in assisting industry meet workforce needs.
“We are proud of the work that the University of Alabama Education Policy Center (EPC) has done to create an innovative tool that will help all Alabamians access apprenticeship opportunities,” said Laney. “This one-of-a-kind dashboard is another example of how Alabama is striving to provide high-quality customer service to our employers in meeting their workforce needs, as well as expanding career pathways for our citizens.”
EPC director Dr. Steve Katsinas hailed the partnership his organization holds with stakeholders in assisting the state with meeting its goals in the realm of workforce development.
“It is a privilege for this Center and The University of Alabama to be of service to business and state leaders working to achieve Governor Kay Ivey’s important goal of 500,000 more Alabamians with recognized credentials and certificates by 2025,” said Katsinas. “Helping more Alabamians into better jobs is good for our state and nation, and that is exactly what the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship is doing.”
Students, parents, training providers, workforce agencies and employers may utilize the tool to seek current information regarding apprenticeship opportunities. Employers also may make use of the dashboard to search for apprenticeship opportunities applicable to their company.
Current high school students will find the tool to be beneficial in exploring local apprenticeship opportunities for which they can apply.
All relevant information, through downloadable tables and exported graphics, can be accessed interactively. The user-friendly tool allows individuals to view the information they wish access in the way they determine to it be of use.
A beta version of the dashboard has been provided by AOA to workforce partners across the state who could benefit from its establishment.
The Alabama Career Center staff were among the first to have benefited by way of their work with job seekers and employers.
Apprenticeship employers have recently been included to partake in a focus group to review the dashboard’s effectiveness as a promotional tool for their respected programs at both the local and state levels.
The dashboard can be accessed at www.alapprentice.org.
AOA recommends users utilize instructional videos and user documentation found on the website to take full advantage of the service’s offerings. Individuals who are in need of assistance or are interested in area apprenticeship programs may contact their local AOA project manager at at alapprentice.org/contact/.
Additionally, all feedback or questions may be directed via email to [email protected].
Thank you to our “Connect to your Future” sponsors: Alabama Power, Alabama Works and Manufacture Alabama for making this initiative possible.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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