Workforce Development
Goal Statement: “We will develop a 21st century workforce by promoting educational excellence in the Greater Birmingham region through targeted improvements in pre-K–12 education, higher education, and training and support programs.”
The Birmingham region’s people are its greatest asset. The economic and social well-being of a community’s residents ultimately defines the success of community and economic development efforts. The most effective method for elevating incomes is to elevate education levels.
In today’s increasingly competitive environment for knowledge-intensive jobs, talent development is vital. Workers need to be adequately prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, not simply the jobs of today. To provide the skilled workers that companies are looking for, the Birmingham region will have to optimize its Pre-K – 16 pipeline while effectively retaining and recruiting talented workers to the region.
Blueprint Birmingham highlights the need for targeted improvements in education and workforce development. There is wide disparity in student performance in school districts across the region, and a clear need to develop new alternative education models while supporting ongoing efforts such as Yes We Can! Birmingham. Further, there is a need to develop new higher education programs that can support emerging sectors in the region.