Secretary of the Department of Workforce Greg Reed recently visited the Academy of Craft Training in Birmingham.

Secretary Reed praised the work being done by ACT and ABC of Alabama, saying, “Growing skilled trades in Alabama will be vital to our state’s workforce efforts. ABC of Alabama is truly a team player, and they play an important role in our state. I saw firsthand today at the Academy of Craft Training that this group is full of passionate doers and trusted partners. They know what’s best for construction, and the state needs to support their efforts for Alabama’s future.”

The Academy of Craft Training gives high school students the opportunity to learn valuable trades directly from industry professionals. ACT allows these students to secure their futures in construction with hands-on experience.

“From day one, Greg Reed has been a friend of ABC of Alabama. From day one, Greg Reed has supported the Academy of Craft Training. It’s exciting to have him tour our Birmingham campus in his new role,” said Board Chairman Tim Harrison. “Commercial construction needs an all-hands-on-deck approach to workforce development, and Greg’s support of ACT shows he is front and center in helping our industry grow our workforce.”

ACT partners with the State of Alabama’s K-12 Career and Technical Education System to form a uniquely blended private-public program that jumpstarts students’ careers with local internships and job placement opportunities.

“The Academy of Craft Training has become a major component of ensuring the future of the construction workforce in Alabama. Secretary Reed clearly understands that, and having him back on our Birmingham ACT campus shows that this administration understands that construction is an economic engine that needs a partner in the state. His visit shows that partnership is important to him and the state of Alabama,” added Brad Avery, VP of Rives Construction and Chairman of the ACT Board.

Courtesy of Alabama Associated Builders and Contractors.