The Alabama Workforce Development Board is preparing for significant changes as a package of workforce development bills is set to be implemented. The new legislation, signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey in May, aims to transform the state’s workforce development strategy and increase the labor force participation rate, which currently remains one of the lowest in the country.
One of the key aspects of the new law is the consolidation of state workforce development entities under the Alabama Department of Labor, which will be renamed as the Department of Workforce. Additionally, the State Workforce Development Board will be established to oversee and coordinate workforce development efforts across the state.
Industry and business leaders will have a more prominent role in the state’s workforce development strategies, with an Executive Committee being formed to provide strategic guidance for the State Workforce Development Board. This move is seen as essential to improving Alabama’s approach to workforce development and ensuring that the state’s labor force remains competitive.
While the law is set to go into effect in 2024, with full implementation by 2025, there is still significant work to be done in the lead-up to these deadlines. Members of the Workforce Development Board acknowledge that the consolidation of state entities will bring about big changes in a short amount of time, but emphasize the importance of getting it right to benefit the people of Alabama.
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