Workforce Development
These articles are part of a special section dedicated to showcase the extraordinary effort to prepare a skilled workforce in the Mobile Bay area. Scroll down to read. Shipbuilder and University of Mobile collaborate - Atlantic Marine creates management career path for workers
“Workforce development is economic development”
Southern hospitality gets a refresher course - Faulkner State trains tourism pros
ITT sets eyes on being a major player in area’s future - Hands—on programs mimics workplace
Online offers flexibility and broad opportunities - Columbia Southern offes non-traditional opportuniy via internet
Workforce Coalitions provide support to area’s growth |
Shipbuilder and University of Mobile collaborate 
Skip Krause, atlantic marine director of Workforce Developemt addresses class. (photo Dave Perry) |
by Dave Perry
Atlantic Marine creates management career path for workers With the shipbuilding industry booming in the Port City, one firm is looking toward the future and preparing its workforce and the company for continued growth and success.
One of the area’s largest maritime businesses, Atlantic Marine, and the University of Mobile have collaborated to develop a pilot course that will educate and groom future leaders for the shipbuilding industry.
According to Skip Krause, the idea of planning for the future was the idea of Tom Williams, vice-president of operations at Atlantic Marine’s Mobile shipyard. “In general, project managers are our more experienced employees that have been promoted up through the ranks. As our business grew we realized there was no specific plan to train and offer a transition from technical mastery to managerial leadership roles. Tom understood this and decided to develop a strategic plan to address this potential shortage,” states Krause. 
Dr. Karen Delzell, U of Mobile |
Krause, Director of Continuous Process Improvement and Workforce Development said that in addition to training new leaders Atlantic Marine’s objective was to change the perception of shipyard work. Krause states, “With this pilot program we wanted to provide a career path for our valued employees and attract talented people that may have never considered maritime work as a career path.”
Working with the University of Mobile to develop a course specific for their needs, Atlantic Marine sought a program that would meet their objectives and could be implemented promptly. With more than 1,000 graduates from their adult continuing education program and a current enrollment of approximately 250 adult students and an experienced instructor staff, the Center for Adult Programs at U of M was a good fit. “Our programs are accredited and we are authorized to offer the courses, so it’s been great working with Atlantic Marine,” stated Dr. Karen Delzell, dean of the Center for Adult Programs. “We tweaked our program to fit their needs by adding specific classes such as group and organizational behavior, teamwork, conflict management, environmental science, and even a basic course in the Spanish language. When all six semesters are completed each student will receive an associates degree in general studies with a concentration in industrial management,” Delzell states. 
Larry Davis, Atlantic Marine student |
Atlantic Marine employs 900 workers at the Mobile shipyard and operates another yard in Jacksonville, Florida.
The initial class has completed their first semester and is excited about the program. “It was an opportunity for improvement – to look toward the future,” states Larry Davis, student and haul planner for AM. Sharon Wesley, a welder operator, echoes Davis’ forward-looking plan. “This class was a challenge to try something different that would benefit me and hopefully help me get promotions and advance,” said Wesley. 
Rhonda Minchew, Atlantic Marine student |
Employees meeting on-site after work show up in work clothes, books in-hand, and ready to learn. The initial class of twenty was seated following a rigorous application and screening process. The students represent a broad range of job skills that, by design, include: electricians, pipe clerks, carpenters, machinists, ship fitters, painters, and human resource specialists. “We wanted to select a cross-section of employees that would give us more professional breadth in the shop and could create cohesion and a sense of teamwork,” said Krause. The students understand this concept of teamwork and look forward to applying it in their jobs.
How do you plan to apply what you’re learning? “Management skills will be helpful, understanding group dynamics, leadership, and being better at planning for my routine,” states Wesley. Rhonda Minchew, a lead planner/scheduler describes the program as rewarding and would recommend it to her co-workers. “It 
Sharon Wesley, Atlantic Marine student |
makes going back to school accessible for full-time employees and the instructors have been terrific in helping us to get used to being back in school,” Minchew states.
Delzell says the University of Mobile is good at this type of continuing education, in addition to offering traditional programs in 48 areas of study for undergraduate and graduate students through the College of Arts and Sciences, the Center for Performing Arts, and the schools of business, Christian studies, education and nursing. The U of M adult programs offer students an opportunity to obtain a degree while working full time. “We understand that many people cannot take off work or stop working to continue their education. Our adult programs offer four Bachelor of Science degreed programs that can be completed by attending class one night a week and one Saturday a month,” Delzell states.
Atlantic Marine used a variation on the student loan theme by linking the amount to be repaid to class performance. When completed AM will have invested approximately $5,000 in each student. Eighteen members of the starting class just completed the first semester. | “Workforce development is economic development” by Dave Perry
In April I attended a luncheon sponsored by the Gulf Coast Technology Council. The topic of discussion was workforce development. During the presentation Sam Covert explained what is being done locally to prepare workers for the whirlwind of business that was about to descend upon south Alabama. Between the slides and graphs and forward-looking statements Sam said, “Workforce development is economic development.”
That phrase is simple but pretty much sums it up. Yes, location, transportation, and other perks are important but training and education from K12 to enhancing the skills of experienced workers regardless of the job type may be the key to economic development.
South Alabama is actively engaged in the development of its labor force. The new efforts have raised the bar through collaboration, coordination, and a strong unified vision of the value of the task at hand. As a result the coordinated plan could be a benchmark for the nation.
The game plan for workforce development has several participants from state, regional and local levels. But as with most civic projects it is at the local level where the rubber meets the road and the work gets done.
Mobile and Baldwin counties along with Washington, Clarke, Choctaw, Monroe, Conecuh and Escambia make up Region 9 of the Alabama Workforce Development Regional Council. Each of the state’s ten regions are led by private sector industry, economic developers and elected officials.
In the Mobile Bay area millions are being invested in facilities and programs that will provide essential training to the expected 6,500 new employees during the next 18 months. Presently there are eight training initiatives in the Baldwin-Mobile county area:
Advanced Manufacturing Centers—set to open in 2009, programs include industrial technology, robotics and systems.
Alabama Aviation College—programs include avionics tech and maintenance.
Bishop State SW Campus Restoration—$4M in renovations. Training includes HVAC, machine tool, drafting & design, truck driving, and graphic communications.
Build Mobile—construction of 35 welding training booths, Classes consist of different welding and pipe fitting skills.
Maritime Science Center—AIDT will build $10-12M project on Pinto Island, classes include shipbuilding, ship fitting and welding.
ThyssenKrupp Training Center— construction is underway. Training includes specific steel manufacturing skills and Associates in Applied Science Degree (steel manufacturing concentration) from Bishop State.
Dual Enrollment for Mobile an Baldwin Students— is a series of partnerships between Mobile and Baldwin Public Schools with Alabama Aviation College; Bishop State with MPS, Faulkner and Bryant Career–Technical Centers; and construction of the Faulkner Nursing and Allied Health facility.
Alabama Technology Network-Brewton/Mobile—engages in initiatives which support small and medium manufacturers to become more efficient, competitive and profitable. Initiatives include skill assessments, survey of training needs, and Gulf State Shipbuilding Consortium.
| Southern hospitality gets a refresher course by Dave Perry 5 Star Southern Hospitality
Topics and Training Objectives
Hospitality 101
Communications Basics
Customer Service Skills
Exceeding Customer Expectations
Tele-Sales Skills from A to Z
Internal Customer Service Skills
Coaching for Managers |
If customer service is so important why is it that so many people complain about it? They didn’t call me back! Where’s the waiter? I’ve been on hold for 20 minutes! We’ve all said it…we’ve all experienced it? So where’s the disconnect? Training.
The development of training programs for other industries – manufacturing, technology, and healthcare has been the primary focus of most continuing education programs. That left service-related industries on their own and with few exceptions training was often limited to a hands-on experience that sometimes included reading a manual or viewing a video along with a few days of shadowing more experienced co-workers.
South Baldwin County has a lot invested in providing customer service. Last year an estimated 4.7 million tourists visited Alabama’s gulf coast. That’s 4.7 million reasons to get it right and the reason good ol’ southern hospitality is now heading to school. Five Star Southern Hospitality is a workforce development program designed specifically for hospitality and tourism employees. “Service makes a difference and we want to try and make sure that everyone that visits our gulf coast has a wonderful time,” explained Ed Bushaw, director of Faulkner State’s Gulf Shores campus.
The Five Star program was co-developed through the Faulkner State Community College Office of Workforce Development in conjunction with the Alabama Gulf Coast CVB, Foley CVB, Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and South Baldwin Chamber.
The program is made up of a series of courses that conclude with a Five Star certification for the employee. The classes provide students with useable knowledge and tools to provide excellent customer service. To accommodate the variable schedules of the hospitality industry classes are offered at various times. Hospitality On Demand, an online version of the initial class will be available later this year. 
Ed Bushaw, Faulkner State's Gulf Shores' Director greets a class enrolled in Five Star OSuthern Hospitality, a program designed for hospitality and tourism professionals. |
“Offering top-shelf service to guests and clients can make employees a star in the eyes of those customers as well as to employers. And that kind of service is the key to sustaining and building the area’s biggest economic engine and the businesses that power it – tourism,“ Bushaw states.
A Five Star rating for business may be awarded to those businesses that have a majority of Five Star rated personnel. Bushaw believes the business rating will be an award that companies will want to obtain and use in their marketing materials.
Bushaw said the program has been well received and calls from restaurant owners, resorts, vacation rental agencies state park and even casinos have expressed an interest in the program. To date, 480 people have completed the initial segment of the training.
Course administrators are applying for matching grants funds that will offset cost to employers. Presently the coat is $25.00 per class per student.
For information to enroll in the Five Star Southern Hospitality program contact Faulkner State Community College. www.faulkner.cc.al.us | ITT Degree Programs and Areas of Study
School of Information Technology
- Information Systems Security (BS) - Computer Network Systems (AAS)
School of Electronic Technology
- Electronics and Communications - Engineering Technology (BS)
- Computer and Electronics - Engineering Technology (AAS)
School of Drafting and Design
- Construction Management (BS) - Computer Drafting and Design (AAS)
- Visual Communications (AAS)
School of Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice (BS) - Criminal Justice (AAS) |
ITT sets eyes on being a major player in area’s future by Dave Perry
Hands—on programs mimics workplace
Workforce development is not a new directive or focus for schools. One of the oldest and most experienced schools nationwide, ITT Technical Institute has been standing in the workforce development gap for employers since 1969.
In July 2007, ITT Technical Institute opened its doors and has been quietly attracting students and providing a learning environment that delivers technical training in a workplace-like scenario.
According to Mobile’s ITT Technical Institute Director, Juanita Carpenter this area was selected because there was a strong match between the types of education ITT provides and what would be needed by employers here, namely, technology training.
“Employers know it’s a hands-on program and graduates are ready to go to work,” states Carpenter. ITT programs are a blend traditional academic content with applied learning concepts. A significant portion of the education is devoted to practical study in a lab-type environment. “Our courses are not just studying and taking tests, they are ‘doing’ courses and that facilitates learning,” Carpenter states. Carpenter knows this style of learning is effective. She moved to Mobile from Seattle, where she was president at Ashmead College, now Everest College, a career training institute. 
ITT hosted a meet and greet session to connect students and local employers. (Photo courtesy of ITT) |
The ITT campus, located on Cottage Hill Road was remodeled and specifically designed for the hands-on teaching. In addition to regular classrooms, ITT boosts large learning labs equipped with subject specific essential technology. Advisory committees, comprised of representatives of local businesses and employers, help each ITT Technical Institute periodically assess and update curricula, equipment and laboratory design.
Earlier this year, students had an opportunity to meet and talk with potential future employers at the campus’ first networking event. Carpenter said the students that participated were energized by the opportunity to ‘see their future. Jim Arnold of Arnold’s Instruments summed up the attitude of the professionals as he welcomed one class into the room by saying, “I hope you realize that all of us here are competing for you!” All of the professionals expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to begin interacting with ITT students and learn more about each individual’s skills as potential future employees. Professionals from each field represented agreed that the need for skilled employees is very high in Mobile, but there are few places to find individuals with the skills needed.
Students can obtain Associate or Bachelor degrees in four areas of study – the School of Technology, School of Electronic Technology, School of Drafting and Design, School of Criminal Justice. Students attend classes year-round with convenient breaks provided throughout the year.
Classes are typically available in the morning, afternoon and evening, depending on student enrollment. This class schedule offers students flexibility to pursue part-time employment opportunities. Financial assistance is available with Title IV, Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, Parent Plus Loans, and the G.I. Bill.
ITT takes advantage of a strong adjunct network of 40-50 instructors that work in their field of expertise. This keeps the instruction pertinent and relevant. ITT has the track record to prove it.
According to U.S. Department of Education data, all of the ITT Technical Institutes, 97 schools and counting, combined granted the largest percentage (14.7 percent) of the total 
ITT hands-on Electronics Lab is an example of tools to provide the practical study component of programs says IIT's Director, Juanita Carpenter.(photo Dave Perry)
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number of associate and bachelor degrees awarded in the U.S. in electronics and electronics-related programs in the 2000-2001 school year (the latest year for which statistics are available). All of the ITT Technical Institutes combined also granted the largest share (22.6 percent) of the total number of associate's and bachelor's degrees awarded in the U.S. in drafting programs during the same period. In 2006 they placed 85 % of all their graduates.
“We are the bridge from K-12 for those students and employees that want a career. If you hire an ITT grad you get an employee that has both head and hand knowledge,” Carpenter states. For more infomation visit: www.iit-tech-edu | Online offers flexibility and broad opportunities
Columbia Southern offes non-traditional opportuniy via internet 
Jessica Brown, marketing director at CSU |
Despite what statistics say, education is constantly evolving. Online classes also known as distance learning programs have become more prevalent and are gaining popularity among students unable to attend regular daytime or evening classes.
One of nation’s first completely online universities, Columbia Southern University (CSU) was developed to meet the demand for alternatives to the traditional university experience. Established in 1993, Dr. Robert Mayes founded the university to offer individuals with demanding and unpredictable schedules a way to achieve their dreams of higher education.
Jessica Brown, marketing director at CSU’s Orange Beach campus sat down with the MBBJ to answer a few questions.
Columbia Southern University has developed a partnership with some of the local communities.
Tell us about those partnerships in terms of CSU's role in workforce development
JB: “Columbia Southern University is committed to helping local organizations invests in the future of their employees. Promoting a more qualified, educated workforce within our partner organizations is central to our university mission and vision. Presently we have 56 students enrolled from local partner organizations. Seventeen alone from the Orange Beach Fire Department participate in the program. We provide tuition discounts, application fee waivers and other special benefits to our partners.”
“CSU has developed 272 partnerships worldwide including: Delta Air Lines, the New York Fire Department, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, HR for Techs, the National Sheriffs’ Association, International Union of Police Associations, Quantum Drilling and Commtest. Some of our newest partnerships include the second largest U.S. fire department - the Chicago Fire Department and the Fairhope Police Department.” Forney Howard—”Never too late to learn”
Forney Howard understands that life’s challenges can get in the way of achieving your goals, but Howard never lost sight of his goal…a higher education.
Now only one course mains between Howard and his dream – a bachelor degree in fire science.
Howard was barely 18 years old when he found himself in a tough spot. Forced to drop out of college and find a job Howard joined the Birmingham, Alabama, Fire Department and began a 37-year career in fire service. A career although borne out of necessity presented him with a sense of family and work that satisfied his desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Today, Howard is 60 years old, chief of the Orange Beach Fire Department and he’s still not finished learning. “It’s never too late to learn,” said Howard. “One of my lifelong aspirations has been to complete my degree and thanks to CSU, I’m almost there.” |
What is CSU’s total enrollment and how many people have participated in these partnership programs?
JB: “So far more than 1,200 employees from partner organizations have taken advantage of CSU degree or certificate programs. We’re proud of that and leads us look for other appropriate partnerships. With more than 12,700 active students, CSU has an open enrollment and non-standard term system allowing students to enroll any month of the year. On average, 600 new students enroll with CSU each month.”
What types of continuing education seems to be the most called for in this area? (i.e. general ed, criminal justice, education)
JB: “The associates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in business are the most popular programs. Fire science comes in a close second with criminal justice degree programs just behind. CSU also offers a doctor of business administration and certificate programs in several concentrations including finance, fire science, hospitality and tourism, human resource management, information technology, international management, management, marketing, project management and sports management. A complete list of all the degree programs we offer is available on our website.”
Are organizations responding to their employees’ efforts to get some kind of continuing education?
JB: “Our local employers definitely encourage employees to accomplish their dreams of higher education. Chief Forney Howard at the Orange Beach Fire Department allows his staff to complete their coursework while at the station, places CSU posters throughout their facility with all of the degree and partnership benefit information included, and shares the benefits of finishing a degree with all the employees. Forney himself is even enrolled as a CSU student in the fire science bachelor’s degree program.”
What do students say is the biggest advantage of attending CSU?
JB: “Students repeatedly report our personalized student service, flexible course structures, and completely online degree programs as being some of the biggest advantages of choosing CSU.”
The classes. How are CSU classes are conducted and what are the length of the courses?
JB: “Our courses are all offered completely online. Courses are offered in per-course or term enrollment systems. The per-course enrollment system is an open enrollment system that allows students to enroll at their convenience. Courses in this system are offered in a 10-week format. Term enrollment system students have 8 weeks to complete each course and must follow a term academic calendar. Professors interact with students through email, chat, and phone communications. Audio and video lectures are available in many of the courses.”
CSU is expanding. Tell us about the new building.
JB: “With a record enrollment of more than 12,000 students and at least 25,000 expected by 2010, CSU outgrew its current facility located on Canal Road in Orange Beach.”
“Construction began in December 2007 on a 20-acre plot of land situated two miles south of Highway 12, just off the Foley Beach Express and north of The Columns at Orange Beach apartments. The new 67,000 square foot, three-story facility being constructed by White-Spunner Construction, Inc. will be large enough to house all CSU departments. The new building will feature a training room, conference room, fitness room, three break rooms, balconies, shipping and mailing area with a loading dock and other amenities. For now the plans are for CSU to occupy the first two floors in December 2008 and once the third floor is completed, 360 workstations and 65 offices will be available.”
“Last year, CSU surpassed more than 130 employees forcing in-house faculty and staff to occupy additional facilities in Gulf Shores and Foley. The additional acreage provides room for future expansion opportunities without forcing CSU to relocate” | Workforce Coalitions provide support to area’s growth
The Center for Workforce Development brings business and industry together to address workforce issues and needs through workforce coalitions. These groups are comprised of organizations within a specific industry who partner with secondary/post-secondary education, and possibly other training providers, to create programs to meet that industry’s workforce needs. The following are coalitions that work closely with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce:
Bay Area Healthcare Coalition
A partnership of coastal Alabama providers, secondary and post-secondary schools. Their focus is on identifying and developing education-to-workplace initiatives that support the growing need for qualified healthcare professionals. Current projects and initiatives include the annual Health Occupations Career Fair and Summer Scrubs program for high school students.
Gulf Coast Technology Council
The Gulf Coast Technology Council was started as a coalition and has developed into a separate organization managed by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development group. The GCTC is helping to transform the area’s economy to take advantage of strengths in three areas: software/information technology, engineering sciences, and biomedicine/biotechnology. For more information visit: www.gulfcoasttechnology.com
Aerospace Coalition
This alliance is led by the Mobile Airport Authority. Members include aerospace companies in Mobile and Baldwin counties, K-12 and Enterprise-Ozark Community College Aviation College. Activities include support for promotion of dual enrollment programs in both counties, promoting aerospace careers and community events.
Maritime Coalition
Established in mid-2006 based on interest from area shipyards. The initial focus of this coalition is increasing the capacity to train welders and ship fitters.
For more information and to become involved with these coalitions contact the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. http://mobilechamber.com/workforcecoalition.asp
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