A partnership among Alabama Power, Spire, and the Birmingham Urban League has produced a regional pre-apprenticeship initiative.
The initiative will be part of the Urban Energy Jobs Program, which was formed through a collaborative effort between the National Urban League and the Center for Energy Workforce Development.
The goal of launching the program in Birmingham is to aid “underrepresented populations” in finding career opportunities, specifically, in the energy sector.
“Our community, government, and corporate leaders must continue to make diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility a top priority. More particularly in workforce development. Birmingham and surrounding communities have tremendous opportunities to strengthen and authentically represent the talent pipeline,” said William Barnes, president and CEO of the Birmingham Urban League. “Through the Urban Energy Jobs Program, the Birmingham Urban League and our local energy partners are committed to empowering people from underrepresented communities to obtain equitable opportunities for rewarding careers.”
The Birmingham Urban League is responsible for recruitment, intake assessments, eligibility screening services, enrollment, career readiness training, soft skills training, support services, partnership and liaison with pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship Program partners, and referral to Registered Apprenticeship Program opportunities.
“As the energy sector continues to grow, there is an opportunity and an appetite to ensure companies build a workforce representative of the communities they serve,” said Missy Henriksen, the center’s executive director. “This collaborative partnership makes that possible through its local, grassroots approach. Having strong partners lead the local program efforts in Birmingham, I’m confident in the progressive work being done and look forward to seeing the positive impact their efforts will have on shaping the future of the energy business.”
The six-session program in Birmingham begins in the fall.
To register, visit www.Birminghamul.org; deadline is July 7. To learn more about the Energy Jobs Program, visit www.cewd.org/national-urban-league.
