Local Initiatives | Resources | Social Security Administration | Wiregrass Alliance

Workforce development has been identified in both the private and public sector as a critical component of economic development. Initiatives to address the shortage of skilled, unemployed or underemployed potential employees, available for expansion of existing businesses or recruitment of new businesses, have been on-going at the federal, state, and local levels.

The State of Alabama, through the Office of Workforce Development, has consolidated all workforce development efforts under the auspices of one office.  The Office of Workforce Development oversees and coordinates the activities of numerous organizations that engage in workforce information, education, and training.  http://www.owd.alabama.gov/

The Workforce Development Division, of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), coordinates many statewide initiatives in workforce development and provides staff support to the state and local Workforce Investment Boards.  They also function as the contracting authority, grant recipient, and fiscal agent for many federal programs in workforce development which fund local grant sub-recipients. www.adeca.state.al.us

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) administers the Alabama Employment Service and collects, assimilates, analyzes, and distributes data on employment statistics and jobs (Labor Market Information), unemployment statistics, workman's compensation, and unemployment insurance. http://dir.alabama.gov/

The Dothan Area Career Center, also known as the One Stop Center, is the state office for workforce and employment issues. Email ccdothan@adeca.al.state.us. It is located with the Department of Industrial Relations, Employment Service Division, at 787 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL  36303.  Phone (334) 793-6709. 

In an effort to consolidate information for job opportunities offered by employers and job-seeker information sought by prospective employees in one convenient location accessible to all, Joblink was created on-line.  Employers can create employer accounts to post jobs and search for qualified applicants and job-seekers can conduct searches and post resumes.  This system is of great benefit to employers and job-seekers alike and affords anyone, anywhere, at anytime to access the local job market.  We encourage all employers to participate and utilize the resources to the maximum extent possible in order that we may create a truly effective workforce system.  http://joblink.alabama.gov/ada/

Workforce Development is:

• The preparation of our secondary-school students and college students, for life and work, through classroom work, career counseling, job-shadowing activities, career resource libraries, internships, apprenticeships, and industry speakers.
• Skill enhancement and professional development programs for the gainfully employed.
• Matching personal skills with specific job skill requirements, and providing remediation where necessary .
• Providing training and employment opportunities for the entire population, including the handicapped, troubled, and disenfranchised, and drop-outs.
• Entrepreneurship training and development.
• Utilization of regional data and career field workforce projections to foster skill development in growing career fields.

Workforce Development is supported by:

• Faith-based and civic organizations which provide moral and ethics leadership and direction.
• Business and industry involvement in, and sponsorship of, schools.
• Industry certified vocational-technical programs.
• Clearly identified needs of business and industry, as they relate to:
  • Number of employees needed now and in the out years;
  • Certificates, licenses, degrees, or other credentials dictated by the positions;
  • Specific skills required or desired for those positions not requiring other credentials;
  • Support required from post-secondary institution.
• Responsive adult education and post-secondary institutions.
• A concerned and motivated citizenry.