Are you looking to start a new career or upgrade your skills for better job opportunities in Alabama? The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, accessible through Alabama Career Centers, offers a fantastic pathway to achieve your career goals. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about leveraging the WIOA program at Alabama Career Centers to access high-quality job training and embark on a successful career journey.
Understanding WIOA and Alabama Career Centers
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal law designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market. Alabama Career Centers serve as the local access points for these WIOA programs and resources. They provide a comprehensive range of services to both job seekers and employers, acting as a crucial link in workforce development across the state.
Think of Alabama Career Centers as your one-stop shop for career advancement. They offer personalized guidance, resources, and connections to training programs that can equip you with the skills employers are actively seeking. For individuals who qualify, WIOA funding can significantly reduce or even eliminate the financial burden of job training, making career changes more accessible than ever before.
Your WIOA Program Checklist at an Alabama Career Center
Navigating a new program can feel overwhelming, so here’s a helpful checklist to guide you through the WIOA process at your local Alabama Career Center:
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Explore Training Programs: Begin by identifying the career field that interests you. Research different training programs available in Alabama. Websites like www.onetonline.org are excellent resources for understanding labor market information related to various career paths and the skills required.
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Identify WIOA Training Providers: Alabama maintains a list of Eligible Training Providers (ETP) approved for WIOA funding. This list ensures you choose quality training that aligns with WIOA requirements. The original article provides a starting point, but always verify the most up-to-date list at your local Career Center or the state’s official WIOA resources.
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Connect with Training Providers: Once you have identified potential training programs, reach out to the providers. Schedule a visit to meet with a program advisor. This is your opportunity to ask questions, understand the program structure, and assess if it’s the right fit for you.
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Apply for Program Admission: If you find a program you like, complete the admission application process as required by the training provider.
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Financial Aid – Pell Grant Application: If applicable, and to further assist with training costs, apply for the Pell Grant through www.fafsa.ed.gov. Pell Grants are need-based financial aid that you don’t have to pay back.
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Register and Update on Alabama JobLink: Create or update your resume on Alabama JobLink (www.alabamajoblink.alabama.gov). This online platform connects job seekers with employers and is often a requirement for WIOA participation.
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WIOA Referral Meeting: Schedule a meeting with an Employment Services Representative at your Alabama Career Center. They will discuss your eligibility for WIOA and guide you through the referral process.
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WIOA Application and Eligibility Assessment: Formally apply for WIOA at the Career Center. Be prepared to provide necessary documentation, including your acceptance letter from your chosen training provider. The Career Center staff will conduct an eligibility assessment to determine if you meet WIOA requirements.
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Training Provider Orientation and Class Registration: After WIOA approval, attend the training provider’s orientation and register for your classes.
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Submit Class Schedule: Provide your class schedule to your WIOA case manager at the Career Center. This keeps them informed of your progress and ensures proper program oversight.
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Complete WIOA Orientation: Participate in the WIOA orientation at the Career Center to fully understand program requirements, support services, and expectations.
By following these steps and working closely with your Alabama Career Center, you can effectively utilize the WIOA program to gain valuable skills and launch a fulfilling career.
WIOA Eligible Training Providers in Alabama: A Starting List
The following list, adapted from the original article, provides examples of WIOA-eligible training providers in Alabama. It is crucial to confirm the most current eligibility and program details directly with the Alabama Career Center and the training providers themselves as program availability and costs can change.
This list is categorized by provider name and includes program examples and locations. Remember to verify the latest information and explore other providers and programs at your local Alabama Career Center.
A & O Health Career Center (Mobile)
- Website: http://www.aohealthcareer.com
- Address: 4358-B Midmost Drive Mobile, AL 36609
- Programs:
- Medical Assisting Program
- Nursing Assisting Program
Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy (Fairhope & Mobile)
- Website: www.accelerateddentalassisting.com
- Addresses:
- Fairhope: 23678 U. S. Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL 36532
- Mobile: 7760 Moffett Rd, Mobile, AL 36618
- Program: Dental Assisting
Alabama Pipe Welders Academy (Mobile & McIntosh)
- Website: alabamapipewelders.com
- Addresses:
- Mobile: 715 Saint Emanuel Street, Mobile, AL 36603
- McIntosh: 286 MOWA Industrial Rd, McIntosh, AL 36553
- Programs:
- Basic Welding
- Combo Pipe Welder
- GMAW Pipe Welding
- GTAW Pipe Welding
- SMAW Pipe Welding
Arc Pro Pipe Welding School (Mobile – Theodore)
- Website: www.arcpromobile.com
- Address: 6738 Bayou Isle Lane, Theodore, AL 36582
- Programs:
- GTAW (TIG) Pipe Welding
- GTAW/SMAW (Combination) Pipe Welding
- SMAW( Stick) Pipe Welding
Bishop State Community College (Mobile & Jackson Campuses)
- Website: www.bishop.edu
- Addresses:
- Mobile: 351 N. Broad Street, Mobile, AL 36608
- Jackson: Hwy. 43, Jackson, AL 36545
- Programs (Examples – Mobile Campus):
- Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
- Automotive Mechanic Technician
- Automotive Technology
- Career Mobility (LPN )
- Diesel Mechanic
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Pre-Apprentice Line Worker
- Truck Driving – CDL
- Welding
- Program (Jackson Campus):
- Truck Driving – CDL
Cardiac & Vascular Institute of Ultrasound, Inc. (Mobile)
- Website:www.ultrasound.edu
- Address: 2936 North McVay Dr, Mobile, AL 36606
- Programs (Associate Degree Required):
- Cardiac Medical Sonography
- Vascular Medical Sonography
CDL Of Alabama (Summerdale)
- Website: www.cdlofal.com
- Address: 19653 Hwy. 59, Summerdale, AL 36580
- Program: Truck Driving – CDL
Coastal Alabama Community College (Multiple Campuses – Atmore, Bay Minette, Brewton, Fairhope, Mobile, Monroeville, Thomasville)
- Website: www.coastalalabama.edu
- Addresses: Numerous campuses – refer to website for specific locations.
- Programs: Offers a wide range of programs across campuses, including:
- Administrative Medical Office Technology
- Welding Programs (Basic Plate, Pipe, Engineering/Welding Technology)
- Computer Technology/Network Administration
- Dental Assisting
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Nursing (LPN & RN)
- Nursing Assistant/Aide
- Paramedic
- Surgical Technology
- Water/Wastewater Treatment Program
- Airframe & Avionics Technology
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Electrical and Instrumentation Technology
- Machine Tool Technology and Millwright
- Paper and Chemical Technology
Construction Education Foundation of Alabama-Mobile (CEFA)
- Website: cefatradetraining.com
- Address: 3410 Demetropolis Rd, Mobile, AL 36609
- Program: Construction Equipment Operation
ESD School, LLC (Theodore)
- Website: www.esdschool.com
- Address: 5930 Rangeline Rd, Theodore, AL 36582
- Programs:
- Truck Driving – Class A (CDL)
- Truck Driving – Class B (CDL)
Fortis College (Mobile)
- Website: www.fortiscollege.edu
- Address: 7033 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608
- Program: EMT
Premier Driving Academy-Mobile
- Website: www.premierdrivingacademy.com
- Address: 7601 Theodore Dawes Rd, Mobile, AL 36582
- Program: Truck Driving – CDL
Reid State Technical College (Evergreen, Atmore, Summerdale)
- Website: www.rstc.edu
- Addresses:
- Evergreen: Hwy. 83 & I-65, Evergreen, AL 36401
- Atmore: 201 Brookwood Rd, Atmore, AL 36502
- Summerdale: 202 Sanborn Ave, Summerdale, AL 36580
- Programs:
- Commercial Truck Driving
- Industrial Electricity/Electronics
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Practical Nursing
- Welding Technology
Saad Healthcare (Mobile)
- Website: www.saadhealthcare.com
- Address: 1515 University Blvd, Mobile, AL 36609
- Programs:
- Certified Medical Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant
Taite Healthcare Training, LLC. (Mobile)
- Address: 309 E. Turner Rd, Mobile, AL 36610
- Programs:
- Certified Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomy Technician
- Certified Nursing Assistant
University of South Alabama (Mobile)
- Website: www.usa.continuinged.com
- Address: 555 University Blvd. N., Alpha Hall East, Rm. 232
- Program: Nursing (BSN)
Victory Professional Development Center (Jackson & Mobile)
- Website: www.victoryprofessional.org
- Addresses:
- Jackson: 1836 College Ave., Suite C, Jackson, AL 36545
- Mobile: 4313 Downtowner Loop N., Suite C, Mobile, AL 36609
- Programs:
- Certified Medical Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant
Apprenticeship Opportunities through WIOA
Apprenticeships offer a fantastic “earn-while-you-learn” model, and WIOA can also support eligible individuals in pursuing apprenticeship programs. Here are a few apprenticeship opportunities listed in the original document, often coordinated with unions and trade organizations in Alabama:
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council No. 80 (Mobile): Painter, Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist Apprenticeship. Contact Rick Lambert at 251.666.6351.
- IUOE Local 653 Coastal Operating Engineers (Mobile): Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship. Contact Jack White at 251.433.7694.
- SMART Local 441 JATC (Mobile): Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship. Contact Mark Burnett at 251.476.6473.
- Mobile Electricians JATC (Mobile): Inside Wireman Apprenticeship. Contact 251. 476.0275.
- Mobile Plumbing & Pipefitting Joint Apprentice Committee (Mobile): Plumber and Pipefitter Apprenticeship Programs. Contact Training Coordinator at 251.476.0625.
Apprenticeships can be excellent pathways into skilled trades, offering structured training and immediate employment prospects. Inquire at your Alabama Career Center about current apprenticeship opportunities and WIOA support for these programs.
Take the Next Step with Alabama Career Center and WIOA
The WIOA program, in partnership with Alabama Career Centers, is a powerful resource for individuals seeking job training and career advancement in Alabama. By utilizing the resources and guidance available at your local Career Center, you can access funding for training in high-demand industries and embark on a path to a more secure and fulfilling career.
Don’t wait to invest in your future. Visit your nearest Alabama Career Center today to learn more about the WIOA program, explore eligible training options, and take the first step towards unlocking your career potential!
