The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and EDPA’s FuelAL partner to host Second Annual Governor’s Summit on Talent Retention & Work-Based Learning

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Feb.16, 2023) – The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and FuelAL, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), are proud to announce partnership in hosting the Second Annual Governor’s Summit on Talent Retention & Work-Based Learning. The Summit will take place in Mobile, Alabama, at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, May 3-5, 2023.

The Summit will bring together employers, educators, economic developers and workforce professionals from across Alabama to learn best practices in talent retention & workforce development. Keynote speakers and panelists representing each sector will share their unique perspectives on how talent retention and work-based learning can benefit each component of a successful economy.

The Summit will also offer various breakout and panel sessions focused on topics such as apprenticeship, career pathways, and other work-based learning resources. Attendees will gain valuable workforce development tools and resources to better equip them.

“As we move into my second term, I have doubled down on my commitment to the education and workforce initiatives my administration has launched. This Summit will highlight the work of two of the initiatives I am very proud to see continue growing. The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship has led the effort to expand the use of work-based learning and highlight the innovative programs already running in our state. At the same time, the FuelAL initiative is working to find ways to keep Alabama’s post-secondary talent in our state,” said Governor Ivey. “Together, these initiatives serve to build our workforce pipeline to address our own state’s economic needs. We are giving our people the tools to gain the skills they need and working to make Alabama the place they want to live, grow and work to use those talents.”

FuelAL will build upon the success of its 2022 FuelAL Fellowship and Conference with enhanced programming in 2023, primarily focusing on empowering Alabama’s communities to attract and retain competitive professionals. FuelAL will connect these communities, and the employers operating within them, with post-secondary talent to drive awareness of the incredible opportunities across the state.

“In order to retain the incredible talent that Alabama’s schools graduate, we must recognize the needs and desires of young professionals today,” stated Miller Girvin, Executive Vice President of Innovation & Talent at EDPA. “This Summit offers an opportunity for those who can make a huge difference in this space – employers, career-development offices and community leaders – to share best practices and learn how to showcase the promising careers and lifestyles that Alabama can deliver.”

The AOA registers apprenticeship programs, offers technical assistance for the creation of programs, provides support for accessing state and federal assistance with programs and conducts ongoing monitoring of program quality and compliance with state and federal law.

“We are proud and excited to be able to continue this work,” stated Josh Laney, Director of The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. “We have enjoyed seeing the amazing work-based learning (WBL) programs all over the state and have gained a deep appreciation for the work being done. Alabama has a tendency to be sold short, but we are truly on the cutting edge of WBL in the nation. Now, adding the element of talent retention with our partners at EDPA, we are further enhancing our state’s ability to meet the workforce training needs of our citizens and employers.”

To register for the conference and reserve a group rate room at Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, please click here. Room block rates are available until April 4, 2023.

For more information and updates to come, please see The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and EDPA websites.

About EDPA

EDPA is a private, nonprofit organization, supported by more than 60 Corporate Partners. EDPA is governed by a board of directors, comprised of the state’s top business leaders, committed to the economic growth of Alabama. It supports economic development research, workforce development, talent retention and attraction, innovation and entrepreneurship, policy, lead generation and emerging businesses and community development initiatives. EDPA is the private sector’s means for contributing to Alabama’s economic development success. Its unique structure allows it to work closely with state, regional, corporate and local organizations. In addition, it helps innovative startups and entrepreneurs Start, Stay and Grow in Alabama through Alabama Launchpad, which is a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Foundation. Other programming includes ALEX The Alabama Experience and FuelAL.

About The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship

The mission of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA) is to expand the use of registered apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning. Working with employers and training providers across Alabama, the AOA is developing high-quality career training to enable workers and employers to prosper in pursuit of the continued economic development of our state.