In today’s knowledge-based economy, the most competitive local economies will be those with a well-trained workforce. Therefore, workforce development is a critical element of any economic development strategy, particularly as a method to transition the long-term unemployed into well-paying jobs.

The long-term unemployed, sometimes called the “hidden” workforce, includes those who have left the workforce but would return for the right opportunity. The “underemployed” (i.e., those with a part-time job able to work full-time) are those who want to upgrade their skills to obtain higher-paying employment, high school dropouts, workers displaced from low-skill occupations, formerly incarcerated individuals, person with disabilities, etc.

This goal focuses on the workforce development needs of the Dothan region, from the public school systems to two and four-year degree programs. Primary and secondary education is vital to build a student’s foundation for further education, because more and more job opportunities are requiring a two-year or four-year degree.

This goal addresses the need to raise awareness among the unemployed members of the workforce about the training opportunities that are available to them, as well as enhancing critical low-income labor force support services, including child care and public transportation.