Alabama DHR working with community colleges for job programs

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A partnership between two state organizations is helping those who may need help paving a path to success.

The Alabama Community College System joined with the Department of Human Resources to shed light on multiple programs.

“Our job is to do everything we can to help people be able and be successful in the world of work,” said Chancellor Jimmy Baker of the state community college system.

One program at Wallace Community College in Selma allows students to make extra money by performing jobs on campus.

Wallace’s Chardae Austin says they receive an overflow of applicants every year. They accept 30 students at a time for jobs that range from administration to student services.

“I think it provides them a sense of independence. I love hearing how they like taking that stress off of their parents by being able to get things they may need for the school year,” said Austin.

The second program offers apprenticeships for recently released inmates, giving them a chance to learn the trucking trade with help from Four Star Freightliner.

”We’re giving them an opportunity to be trained as they get out of the system. They will be able to either work with us or go somewhere else and be a technician,” said Suzy Herring with Four Star Freightliner.

The three trainees selected annually are paid during training, and after graduation, can make up to $40 an hour. Program leaders like Herring say the apprenticeship is a unique opportunity that can change a former inmate’s trajectory in life.

“As we all know when they get out, opportunities are very slim and being able to have a skill set, being able to have a job and be able to succeed and have a sense of purpose gives them a path to success,” said Herring.

The program is one of the first of its kind in the nation.

The Summer Youth Employment program was also mentioned at Tuesday’s seminar. It allows colleges within the Alabama Community College System to hire current, past, and prospective students for summer employment and on-the-job training opportunities.

Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!

Copyright 2024 WSFA. All rights reserved.