Right now is the best time to pursue a career in transportation or distribution, a trend only forecasted to increase.  To keep pace with demand and create a pipeline of qualified employees the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA) has worked with industry partners Billy Barnes Enterprises and Reid State Technical College to establish the first competency-based Commercial Driver Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program in the state and commemorated it with a signing day for new apprentices.

Registered apprenticeships are nationally recognized and proven training models that allow participants to “earn while they learn.”  This program represents a concerted effort in building and developing viable talent pipelines and encouraging Alabama job seekers to enter these life-changing career pathways.

“The demand for commercial drivers will only continue to grow. Apprenticeships like this help provide a pathway for job seekers to stable, high-quality career opportunities,” stated Josh Laney, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. “The creation of these meaningful training and employment opportunities, in partnership with champion employers like Billy Barnes Enterprises, is a benefit to the individual apprentices, the local economy, and Alabama as a whole.”

Governor Kay Ivey’s Success Plus goal calls for the addition of 500,000 highly skilled workers to the workforce by 2025 to meet the needs of industry and help Alabamians advance into high-demand, high-wage occupations.  This innovative program will meet the needs of employers and employees while growing Alabama’s robust transportation industry.

“The Alabama Trucking Association Foundation is proud of the partnership forged with our community colleges and high schools to bring this program to life,” stated Tim Frazier. “We have high hopes that this model apprenticeship program can be replicated throughout the state and will accelerate many new talented individuals to start a career in Alabama Trucking.”