Workforce Coalitions
The Center for Workforce Development brings business and industry together to address workforce issues and needs through workforce coalitions. A coalition can be defined as a group of companies and 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. In workforce development parlance, such groups are “clusters.” However, the Chamber prefers “coalition” to better reflect the collaborative nature of these groups.

Currently, there are active coalitions for healthcare, aerospace, maritime & technology. Coalitions for the construction & hospitality industries are in development.

  • Bay Area Healthcare Coalition
    A partnership of Coastal AL providers, secondary and post-secondary schools, the Bay Area Healthcare Coalition’s mission is “to create a collaborative partnership focused on identifying and developing an education-to-workplace initiative that will 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. For more information ontact the Chamber at 251-431-8619.

  • Gulf Coast Technology Council
    The Gulf Coast Technology Council was started as a coalition and has developed into a separate organization managed by the Chamber’s Economic Development Dept. As the focal point for technology in South Alabama and the central Gulf Coast, the Gulf Coast Technology Council (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 contact Claudia Hamilton at 251/431-8616. or visit the Council’s website at www.gulfcoasttechnology.com

  • Aerospace Coalition
    The Chamber is a partner in this alliance 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. For more information, contact the Chamber at 251-433-6951
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  • 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, contact the Chamber at 251-433-6951.