The City of Birmingham is taking steps to create career opportunities and remove work barriers for its residents.
That announcement came today during a news conference where the city unveiled its Reinvest Workforce Initiative.
The program will include coordinated components aimed at expanding economic opportunities across the Magic City. From transportation to child care, the goal is to ensure anyone can get a job and build a career.
The Reinvest Workforce Initiative will soon be in full swing throughout Birmingham. Economic Development Director Coreata Houser said the opportunities will be far-reaching.
“It’s not just one or two industries — it’s every industry, because everybody’s at a different skill level. We want to make sure our residents have the skill set to enter those jobs and grow as well,” Houser said.
Houser said the program will focus on four components: workforce training, transportation, child care and entrepreneurship — and it will be free for residents.
“It’s about barrier elimination. Workforce is not just about attracting jobs, but making sure we eliminate barriers,” Houser said.
The initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration’s Recompete Pilot Program. Archie Stewart, with the Reinvest Plan Office, said the program will help anyone in Birmingham who needs it.
“You don’t have to choose a job just because it’s available. You could work with a company such as Coca-Cola or Cisco and make $22, $23 or $24 an hour,” Stewart said. “You also don’t have to have a degree to be in these training programs. It could be someone with a high school diploma, a GED or someone without either.”
“Removing barriers to employment is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive economy where every resident has a fair shot at success,” Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said. “Connecting our residents to quality, good-paying jobs not only uplifts families but also drives sustainable growth across our entire city. Reinvest Birmingham is here to help bridge the gaps.”
More information on the program can be found online.
