Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of the job market, the spotlight has shifted decisively toward skills. Now more than ever, employers are now placing a premium on candidates boasting practical expertise, recognizing that skill-driven roles are the linchpin for fostering innovation and driving success. Nowhere is this shift more pivotal than in Alabama, where, despite unemployment numbers continuing to decline, a deeper narrative reveals ongoing gaps in employment access for Alabamians that prevent their full participation in the economy. Upon analyzing its own data, state leaders realized that Alabama faces one of the most significant worker shortages in the United States, evidenced by a labor force participation rate of just 57%.With Governor Kay Ivey setting an ambitious goal of adding 500,000 credentialed and workforce-ready workers to the state’s labor force by 2025, the race began to get Alabamians to work. “The core mission of our workforce de-velopment strategy is to connect job seekers to employers. This tool helps identify skills and competencies for in-demand jobs, connecting more people with the opportunities they need for a successful future,” said Governor Kay Ivey.
With its roots firmly planted in Alabama and a wealth of expertise in innovation, data management, SaaS solutions, interoperability, and collaboration, EBSCOed was uniquely positioned to address the pressing needs of the state’s workforce.
Collaborating closely with the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Transformation, EBSCOed embarked on a mission that resonated deeply with its core value: to turn generosity into positive change for Alabama.
“EBSCO has always been about people — those who deliver our businesses and those we serve,” said Greg DiDona-to, Vice President of EBSCO Information Services “EBSCO is heavily invested in positively impacting the lives of students, workers, educators, and organizations by providing the best and most relevant information to help their decision-making process. The investment in the EBSCOed division is to support innovation in education and workforce solutions to further support and invest in the state of Alabama and positively impact economic growth for all Alabamians, for Alabama companies, and the state.
“Recognizing the need to empower both job seekers and employers with a skills-focused approach, EBSCOed emerged as the driving force behind a transformative solution.
It was then that the Alabama Talent Triad was born, marking the inception of the first state-facilitated, skills-based talent marketplace in the United States.
“The Alabama Talent Triad means stronger and more strategic alignment between industry and education. It means Alabama Businesses will have the opportunity to fill in-demand roles today and tomorrow, and all learning will count skills, credentials, and experience,” said DiDonato. “From high school to retirement, at every level of education, and from entry level jobs to CEOs, the Alabama Talent Triad is a population-level solution and is meant to support all industries.
Focusing on skills, the Talent Triad broadens the pool of qualified candidates and ensures a more accurate match for job opportunities.
“As companies evolve their operations to meet the demands of the 21st century economy, we’re witnessing a corresponding shift in the skills and workforce needed for today’s job market,” said BCA President and CEO Helena Duncan. “To ensure Alabama’s competitiveness in the global economy, we must equip our workforce with the skills required for the jobs of tomorrow.”
The impact of the Talent Triad extends far beyond individual success stories; it represents a fundamental shift in how Alabama approaches workforce development and economic growth.
The Alabama Talent Triad comes at a time when the state is intensifying its efforts in workforce development, with state leaders placing a strong emphasis on increasing labor force participation. Building on the success of The Game Plan last year, the Working for Alabama legislative package was signed into law earlier this month to eliminate barriers to workforce entry and streamline workforce development resources in the state.
By leveraging the power of skills-based recruitment and strategic partnerships, the Talent Triad and Working for Alabama are driving innovation, opportunity, and prosperity for all Alabamians and Alabama businesses.
“EBSCOed’s leadership and expertise in the Talent Triad is changing the way Alabama approaches workforce development and building a skill-based economy. Their willingness to facilitate the alignment between education and real-world employment is empowering Alabamians to succeed in the rapidly changing job landscape,” said Duncan. “Now is the time for Alabama employers and job-seekers to take advantage of the Talent Triad.”
As the Talent Triad continues to gain momentum, its impact will be felt across industries and communities throughout the state. With the support of EBSCOed and other key stakeholders, Alabama is poised to lead the way in building a more dynamic and resilient workforce.
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