Gov. Ivey approves Alabama’s first Workforce Pell program at Lawson State Community College
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Special to the News
Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday announced that Lawson State Community College’s Lineworker Training Program has become the first program in Alabama to receive state approval through the Workforce Pell process, marking an important milestone in the state’s effort to expand access to short-term training for high-demand careers.
Ivey provided Lawson State Community College with a certificate recognizing the approval of its Lineworker Training Program. The program has a demonstrated history of preparing students for careers in the utility industry through intensive, hands-on training and has produced strong completion and employment outcomes.
“Alabama is leading the way in preparing our people for good-paying careers, and approving our first Workforce Pell program is another important step forward,” said Ivey. “Lawson State’s Lineworker Training Program is preparing Alabamians with the skills employers need while opening doors to rewarding careers. I am proud that this proven program is the first in our state to receive Workforce Pell approval, and I look forward to seeing more opportunities like this become available to Alabamians across our state.”
Gov. Ivey launched the program this summer, creating a pathway for qualifying programs with demonstrated completion and employment outcomes to participate in the initiative. Workforce Pell expands federal Pell Grant eligibility to approved short-term, career-focused training programs that prepare individuals for high-skill, high-wage or in-demand occupations.
“Today’s announcement turns the promise of Workforce Pell into real opportunity for Alabama workers,” said Alabama Department of Workforce (ADOW) Secretary Greg Reed. “From the beginning, our goal has been to connect financial assistance with proven training programs that prepare people for careers in Alabama business and industry. Lawson State’s Lineworker Training Program is an excellent example of that approach, and its approval establishes a strong foundation as we continue expanding Workforce Pell opportunities across Alabama.”
ADOW, in consultation with the Alabama Workforce Board, administers the state application and review process. Programs seeking approval must meet requirements related to program length, employer demand, recognized credentials, completion and job placement outcomes and program history.
The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) works in partnership with the Department to prepare its colleges for that process, compiling program outcome data and reviewing each application before it is submitted for state review. Lawson State’s application was the first to move through this joint process.
Lawson State’s 10-week Lineworker Training Program provides more than 400 hours of hands-on training and prepares participants with industry-relevant skills and certifications. Training includes areas such as pole climbing, power line installation, truck driving and ladder safety.
“Alabama’s community colleges are built to respond quickly to the needs of students and employers, and Workforce Pell strengthens our ability to do exactly that,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “Lawson State has developed a lineworker program that connects focused, hands-on education directly to meet workforce demand. Our partnership with the Department of Workforce gave Lawson State a clear path from application to approval, and that same path is now open to every college in our system. Being the first program approved in Alabama is an important accomplishment for Lawson State and an encouraging first step for the opportunities Workforce Pell can create throughout our community college system.”
Lawson State’s Lineworker Training Program is offered in partnership with Alabama Power and provides students with practical preparation for careers in the utility industry. Interest in the program has been significant, reflecting strong demand for training that provides a direct connection between education and employment.
Lawson State has reported hundreds of applicants for recent program cohorts, with participants who perform well often receiving job offers before completing training.
“This approval is a tremendous recognition of the work our faculty, staff and industry partners have done to build a program that truly changes lives,” said Lawson State Community College President Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony. “Our Lineworker Training Program gives students the opportunity to develop real-world skills, earn valuable credentials and prepare for careers that can provide stability for themselves and their families. We are honored to be Alabama’s first approved Workforce Pell program and excited about what this opportunity will mean for the students and communities we serve.”
As Alabama’s first approved Workforce Pell program, Lawson State sets the stage for additional high-quality training opportunities across the state. Additional ACCS colleges are already working with the System Office and the Department to prepare applications for programs in high-demand fields.
ADOW will continue reviewing applications from eligible institutions seeking approval for qualifying short-term workforce training programs.
A directory of approved Alabama Workforce Pell programs will be published on the ADOW website as approvals are issued. Institutions affiliated with ACCS or the Alabama Commission on Higher Education should coordinate with their respective agencies when preparing applications.
For more information about Workforce Pell, institutional eligibility requirements or the state application process, visit workforce.alabama.gov or email wfp@workforce.alabama.gov.
