Gov. Kay Ivey launched the Alabama Department of Workforce today. The department, led by Greg Reed, is to consolidate fragmented workforce programs under unified leadership.
“Alabama’s workforce is our greatest competitive advantage,” said Ivey. “This unified approach connects individual career advancement to statewide prosperity, ensuring that our human capital drives continued economic growth across all communities.”
The department will focus on addressing the state’s workforce participation paradox — low unemployment at 2.9% paired with one of the nation’s lowest workforce participation rates at 57.8.
“Alabama’s greatest resource is its people, and when they thrive, we all rise. This department represents our commitment to meeting every Alabamian where they are and guiding them to where they want to be,” said Reed. He added that the department will leverage its career centers, community-based outreach hubs and digital workforce matching systems to serve all counties.
The department will provide workforce data and regulatory oversight with a 90% focus on workforce services and comprehensive safety standards.
To this end, the department will implement real-time labor market analytics, virtual training platforms and workforce matching systems while prioritizing personal relationships through community partnerships and trusted local voices.
“This represents the most ambitious workforce development initiative Alabama has undertaken,” said Reed. “We’re creating a foundation for lasting growth that benefits every community and ensures no Alabamian navigates their career journey alone.”
For more information on this new department, visit workforce.alabama.gov.
