Story By Donald Campbell
Phillips serving on state apprenticeship focus group
Earlier this year, the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship formed the Alabama Youth Apprenticeship Focus Group, looking to strengthen apprenticeships and work-based learning for students across the state. Among the handful of career tech center faculty selected for this inaugural group is Jonathan Phillips, the director of the DeKalb County Technology Center in Rainsville.
According to Phillips, there were around 20 officials selected from both career tech education and the business and industry world, picked from all over the state. The focus group falls under the state’s Department of Workforce, while also working with the Alabama Department of Education. Phillips said this was not something he applied for, and admitted he felt a little shocked when he learned that he had been selected to be a part of the focus group.
“I feel it’s a testament to how strong career tech and work-based learning is here in DeKalb County,” he said. “I feel very honored to represent our system at the state level.”
According to a release from Tara Hutchinson, the Alabama Department of Workforce’s communications director, “This focus group aligns with the broader vision of the Alabama Department of Workforce (ADOW) to create a more connected and responsive talent development system across the state. With ADOW now serving as the administrative home for the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, the collaboration reflects Alabama’s commitment to integrating education, training, and industry needs into a unified workforce strategy. Through the leadership of the Department and its partnership with agencies such as the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, the state continues to strengthen pathways that prepare students for in-demand careers while meeting the evolving needs of Alabama employers. These coordinated efforts are central to building a stronger, future-focused workforce and ensuring that every Alabamian has access to meaningful opportunities for lifelong success.”
Since the focus group began its work in September, Phillips said they have had a couple of in-person meetings, but have also conducted a number of virtual sessions to continue their work. As part of their efforts to strengthen these youth apprenticeships, they have been looking at building strong and valuable relationships with businesses and industry, which Phillips says is key to the group’s ultimate goal. So far, he feels things have been productive, making good progress and finding all sorts of ways to grow relationships, building a foundation for future success across the board for everyone involved. Phillips feels these efforts are going to benefit students all over Alabama, giving them more opportunities for on the job experience, opportunities that could lead to future career success and be vital to the state economy.
“I think this is a great group, and we’re building a foundation for future growth and further apprenticeships,” Phillips said. “I feel honored to get to take part in this effort.”
