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Alabama’s construction industry has thousands of job openings and now free training to operate bulldozers and skid steers is available through the Skills for Success program of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS).
A unique feature of Skills for Success training is how quickly it can be completed. Part of the training is offered online, with interactive learning that is self-paced. Upon completing the online portion of the course, students then complete 16 hours of hands-on training with qualified instructors at any of the 24 community and technical colleges around the state.
The training is developed by the ACCS Innovation Center in partnership with Alabama businesses and industries.
“The number one challenge for most businesses right now is finding and retaining a skilled workforce,” said Chris Stricklin, Chief Technology Officer for Dunn Companies. “Skills for Success training, developed through partnership with industry partners, is the most innovative in the nation. We are working together for a better tomorrow for our individuals, companies, industries, communities, our state and our nation. Together this will revolutionize our social dialogue and develop career routes with progression pathways.”
The Alabama Community College System started the Skills for Success rapid training program earlier this year. Since its launch, more than 1,500 Alabamians have registered for training for in-demand jobs in industries such as construction, food and beverage, and trucking. The training is offered at no cost.
“Alabama is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers. By delivering rapid training, Skills for Success quickly provides the trained workforce employers need to fill in-demand jobs,” said Keith Phillips, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development for the Alabama Community College System. “Our community colleges have partnered with Alabama’s businesses and industries to develop these courses, so they provide job-specific training that leads to employment right away.”
Brian Haynes took the Skills for Success bulldozer course and said the rapid training “allows us to get the essential training that we need to enter the job market and we can hit the ground running.”
“In today’s market, these kind of skills are lacking and there’s a great need to fill them,” he said.
Participants who complete training also earn an ACCS Credential, which signals to businesses that the individual has mastered the skills taught in the program and is immediately ready for employment. The ACCS Credential can also be used as a foundation for additional classes and training at Alabama community colleges.
To learn more about Skills for Success and to register for training, visit the ACCS Innovation Center’s website: innovation.accs.edu.
Click here to watch a 2-minute video of the bulldozer and skid steer training classes in action, including interviews with students and Dr. Kemba Chambers, President of Trenholm State Community College.
