Reviewed by: Grace Howard
Alabama’s new Department of Workforce: A path to prosperity
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Governor Kay Ivey officially formed a new agency last week, to transform and increase Alabama’s workforce.
Called the Alabama Department of Workforce, the department actively prepares and assists Alabama residents for their next job by providing training and education.
“Alabama’s workforce is our greatest competitive advantage. This unified approach connects individual career advancement to statewide prosperity, ensuring that our human capital drives continued economic growth across all communities.”
Governor Kay Ivey
New Department of Workforce aims to increase participation
Greg Reed, a former State Senator and now Secretary of the new Alabama Department of Workforce, told business leaders across the state the mission of the new agency is to remove barriers and create clear pathways connecting people to prosperity through integrated services.
According to the Governor’s Office, the new Department consolidates previously fragmented workforce programs under unified leadership, positioning Alabama to address its workforce participation paradox—low unemployment at 2.9% paired with one of the nation’s lowest workforce participation rates at 57.8%.
The agency will particularly focus on Alabama’s young, disconnected workers aged 20-29 facing the “26 cliff” when they lose healthcare coverage and independence support.
“We’re meeting people where they are—by making opportunities accessible for all through their own community connections. The Department will leverage career centers as local touchpoints, community-based outreach hubs and digital workforce matching systems with tele-case management to serve all counties effectively.
Secretary Greg Reed
Learn more about Department of Workforce
The governor announced the launch of the new agency on the Alabama State Capitol steps in front of industry leaders, education partners, government officials and community representatives from all 67 counties.
To learn more about the department, visit https://workforce.alabama.gov/
