Alabama Department of Labor and Power Initiatives

Greg Reed, the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Labor and Power, is spearheading efforts to enhance economic growth across all 67 counties in Alabama.

Reed, who previously spent 14 years in the Alabama Senate and served as pro tem for the Senate President, was appointed to lead the newly established Alabama Department of Labor and Power by Governor Kay Ivey earlier this year.

In a recent discussion on “Longshore and McKnight,” Reed highlighted the positive changes he aims to implement in the state through the transition from the Alabama Department of Labor to the new department.

“Our mission is to ensure that Alabama workers are the best trained in the country,” Reed stated.

He emphasized that a key strategy for achieving this aims to widen access to the state’s apprenticeship program.

“We’ve initiated several programs right away,” Reed remarked. “We’re focused on apprenticeships for individuals seeking to improve their careers. Many of them face challenges in juggling work and learning new skills, especially if they can’t afford to stop working to pursue education. Our apprenticeship program allows them to earn while they learn.”

He also touched on new transportation initiatives designed to assist individuals in reaching their jobs.

“We need to consider the barriers people face to employment. What prevents them from working? Healthcare, housing, childcare, and transportation are the major factors, not just in Alabama but nationally. Our transportation programs aim to tackle these challenges head-on,” Reed explained.

Additionally, he indicated plans to improve access to childcare resources.

“There are many women who left the workforce during the pandemic to care for children and are struggling to return. We’re considering how to incentivize childcare options to support their reintegration into the workforce. It’s a significant issue.”

Reed underscored that these initiatives are fundamentally aimed at fostering Alabama’s economic growth.

“To grow our economy, we need to expand our workforce,” he stated. “Bringing together skilled individuals from multiple states can amplify our training efforts and enhance our workforce appeal.”