Get Alabama job training now with 60+ skills courses

Sponsored

Curious about Alabama job training and not sure where to start? You’re not alone.

Beyond the positive stats like record-high job totals in July 2026 and the most recent unemployment rate at 3.5% (September 2026), labor participation rates show some Alabama residents are not working or actively seeking work. Statewide, education leaders are digging into why and teaming up to help people find careers to thrive.

We recently talked with three organizations forging partnerships to help people explore careers, connect to high-quality training and land in-demand jobs, starting with the statewide workforce accelerator, the Alabama Community College System Innovation Center (the IC).

Read on to learn what we discovered and programs that may be a great fit for you.

Want a new job in Alabama + unsure where to begin?

Start with the IC’s Navigate program, which currently offers commercial driver’s license permit prep training and more online courses coming soon to explore different industries, careers, financial literacy and more.

Or, you may be a perfect fit for Skills for Success, the IC’s short-term skills training program through the state’s community colleges. The program offers more than 60 courses across many industries, with cost-free options available.

Since its official launch in 2022, over 79,000 students have enrolled in Skills for Success, gaining the knowledge and experience to land new careers in advanced manufacturing, health care, hospitality, public safety, construction and more.

👉 See all job training courses on the IC website TrainForAlabama.com.

Earn your GED, learn English + more while in skills training

Many people want a new job in Alabama but put off career exploration or skills training because of perceived barriers, including not having graduated high school or limited English-speaking skills.

This is where our community colleges’ adult education programs are game changers: You can earn your GED, learn English and more while in skills training.

The adult education programs also include access to career navigators who help students in their job search.

“We don’t just say, ‘Here’s the book; go for it.’ We are actually engaging with that student, helping them with their barriers. Success stories can look many different ways. We gauge success as someone becoming self-sufficient and being able to contribute to their family and the community. All of this generalization has names and faces that go with it; and it is the names and faces that really matter!”
_{– Dana Wolfe, ACCS Training, Technical Assistance & Assessment Branch Director}

Nonprofit partnerships connecting people with opportunities

The IC and ACCS Adult Education leaders also work closely with organizations like The Foundry Ministries to reach people overcoming addiction and Hope Inspired Ministries (HIM) to connect with people seeking a way out of poverty and unemployment.

About three years ago, The Foundry Farm recovery program in Cullman began collaborating with HIM, as well as leaders at nearby Wallace State Community College, aligning schedules to offer complementary programs to participants.

Since then:

• Overall, 25 men in The Foundry program have earned Skills for Success certifications
• This year, 3 men have earned their GEDs + 10 are enrolled in GED programs
• 9 men are enrolled in Skills for Success programs currently, including 4 of those earning GEDs

“This employment readiness is going to help these guys become more career oriented beyond just looking for a job. Driving big trucks and operating heavy equipment is a career. They’re ready to do this. This has been one of the greatest things that The Foundry Farm has done in the 20 years I’ve been here.”
_{– Eddie Wilson, The Foundry Farm Program Director}

Will this be your year to take the next steps to thrive in life? Go to TrainForAlabama.com to explore courses and get started today!

Editorial note: For this feature, we were fortunate to collaborate with Wilson before he passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. The Foundry has established the Eddie Wilson Memorial Scholarship to honor his life’s work and legacy.

Sponsored by: