Coastal Alabama Community College Plays a Key Role in Regional Talent Attraction

The attraction and development of a skilled workforce has become the most important factor in economic development, and Coastal Alabama Community College is a key contributor. The college is at the core of skilled job growth over the last six years, which looks at percent growth for occupations that fall into one or more of the following three categories: those that typically require a postsecondary certificate or above; long-term on-the-job training, an apprenticeship, or residency/internship; or five years or more of work experience in a related occupation.

Coastal Alabama Community College grants those postsecondary certificates, and as a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor, the college facilitates apprenticeship.

In its latest Talent Attraction Scorecard, the multinational data analytics company Emsi identified Baldwin County as the top county in Alabama for workforce development. Its findings were achieved using the most currently available data on population and migration, growth of jobs and skilled workers, regional competitiveness, and education attainment, according to Dr. Joshua Duplantis, dean of Workforce Development at Coastal Alabama Community College.

The top rating was based on success in six major categories: net migration, skilled job growth, regional competitiveness, overall job growth, educational attainment, and annual openings per capita. Duplantis said educational attainment is a “critical data point” for companies looking to move into, and grow within, communities.

In Baldwin County, 19.9 percent of residents possess a bachelor’s degree, and 8.8 percent hold an associate degree; both of which are above the national average. But there’s more growth possible in these areas, especially when supporting those who may not even have a GED to residents with only high school equivalency or “some college” experience.

Coastal Alabama Community College’s adult education programs are comprised of expert instructors, facilities and materials dedicated to helping residents throughout south Alabama climb the educational ladder and achieve skilled job training and the resulting successful careers.