Lt. Gov. Ainsworth Talks Jobs and Skills in Mobile

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Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth visited Mobile on Thursday with a clear mission: to talk workforce development and how it ties directly into the area’s economic growth.

Speaking to a crowd of 250 local business leaders at the Mobile Chamber’s Forum Alabama, Ainsworth emphasized one major priority—improving the skills of Alabama’s workers.

After the event, Ainsworth made his stance clear: “We’re gonna continue to make sure we have students in this state ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

This focus on the future of the workforce speaks directly to Mobile’s efforts to attract new industries and create job opportunities.

As businesses continue to expand in the area, the challenge of finding skilled workers is one that will impact everyone, from job seekers to long-time residents.

Lieutenant Governor Will AinsworthPhoto byhttps://ltgov.alabama.gov/

Securing Funding for Workforce Training

Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne echoed Ainsworth’s sentiments about the importance of preparing workers for the future.

Byrne touched on a key issue—funding for career technical education (CTE) programs.

While Alabama receives federal funds for these programs, there’s a catch: they can’t be used for building new facilities.

This presents a challenge, as the state looks for alternative ways to fund the infrastructure needed to support these training centers.

Byrne stressed that finding funding sources for workforce development is crucial to the state’s ongoing success.

As Mobile continues to attract businesses and industries, those companies will need well-equipped, highly skilled workers to stay competitive.

Building out more training centers in the area could open the door for new job opportunities and long-term career growth.

Preparing Former Inmates for the Workforce

Byrne also touched on a lesser-discussed but important topic—preparing former inmates for the workforce.

With many people returning to the community after serving time, programs that focus on job training and reintegration can help them find stability through employment.

Byrne sees this effort as an essential part of improving the overall workforce in Alabama.

By offering training and education to all sectors of the population, Mobile could see a ripple effect of economic benefits.

Providing opportunities for all residents, including those who may face barriers to employment, will likely strengthen the local job market and contribute to a more inclusive economy.

A Second High School Diploma Focused on Skills

One of the most exciting updates discussed during the forum was Alabama’s new high school diploma option, which emphasizes technical schools.

This legislation, passed earlier this year, opens the door for students to focus more on hands-on, career-focused education rather than just traditional academic routes.

Byrne highlighted the importance of properly implementing this option, ensuring it becomes a pathway to high-demand jobs in industries that are growing in Mobile and across the state.

This initiative could help solve the workforce gap by producing more graduates who are ready to hit the ground running in technical fields.

For Mobile’s residents, this means a future where high school graduates have more options to find rewarding careers, right here in our home.

With the combination of new businesses and a skilled, prepared workforce, Mobile’s economic future looks bright.

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Sources:

• Alabama lieutenant governor, Mobile Chamber, talk workforce development
• Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth speaks to Mobile city leaders about workforce development