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May 12, 2007

Work force solutions sought

Program aims to improve size and quality of labor pool

By Evan Belanger

A new program aimed at increasing the size and quality of the area’s industrial work force will be in pilot stages for city and county schools as early as this summer.

Paid for through a grant from the U.S. Labor Department’s Employment and Training Administration, the program is being sponsored by Cullman’s newly formed workforce development group, dubbed Cullman-Area Workforce Solutions.

In its first action, the group — composed of local industrial leaders — is initiating an exchange program, allowing educators to spend two weeks of their summer training and working alongside other employees at local industrial plants.

The intent is to send educators back to their schools with a better knowledge of the local jobs available and the training requirements for them, according to a CAWS press release. The information can then be worked into their lesson plans.

This summer, slots will be open for 22 educators to participate in the program, according to Dan Plank, REHAU human resources coordinator.

Each teacher will receive a stipend for their participation in the program, which is open to educators of grades 6-12.

“It shows students that they can get a good-paying job without a four-year degree,” Plank said. “It has been a struggle, especially with new industries opening up, to find enough good, quality workers.”

With Cullman County ranked No. 1 in the state for most new and expanding industries, according to the State Development Office, unemployment in the area is at an all-time low, about 2.7 percent in the latest estimates.

According to Kirk Mancer, president of the Cullman-Area Chamber of Commerce, the plan is to expand the program annually. He said they hope to create a publication in the future, listing area industries, the jobs that are available and the approximate pay ranges. It will be distributed to teachers, parents and students.

“Unfortunately the perception is that if you don’t wear a coat and tie, you’re not successful,” he said. “There are a lot of ways out there to be successful that people don’t event think about.

“This just makes kids and parents aware of the opportunities that are out there.”

CAWS is comprised of representatives from the following partners and organizations:

‰ American Proteins

‰ Axsys Technologies

‰ Louisiana Pacific Corporation

‰ North Alabama Fabricating

‰ McGriff Industries

‰ REHAU North America

‰ SUMMA Technology

‰ Topre America Corporation

‰ Wal-Mart Distribution Center

‰ Webb Wheel Products

‰ Alabama Career Center System, Cullman

‰ Cullman-Area Chamber of Commerce

‰ Cullman County Economic Development

‰ Cullman City Schools

‰ Cullman County Schools

‰ Cullman Economic Development Agency

‰ Wallace State Community College.

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