Employer-based workforce development programs help companies solve their workplace problems. Just as every community desires an economically secure, sustainable future, every company in Alabama wants competent, motivated workers. Technically capable workers are essential for companies to be competitive in today's increasingly demanding, technology-oriented, knowledge-based economy.

Higher energy costs, global competition, overcapacity, and a generally slowing US economy increase the urgency of employers to attract and/or retain technically capable workers. A 1999 study by the Auburn University College of Engineering found that manufacturers saw inability to attract technically capable workers or to retrain current workers as the greatest obstacles to modernization. Retraining workers from low skill to high skill jobs is key for companies wanting to enter the new economy and increase their regional and global competitiveness.

Workforce development programs offered through the Community Resource Development unit of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System are aimed at helping employers solve their workforce problems. If companies can boost their workforce to its potential by having capably trained, motivated, and dedicated workers, then employers will ultimately boost their bottom line. When companies are able to realize higher profits, communities, employers, and families benefit.

Our goal is to help companies provide relevant workplace training so workers gain and/or upgrade skill sets necessary to become and remain employed and employers will have an available pool of trained workers.

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