Governor approves Alabama’s first Workforce Pell program at Lawson State

Governor Kay Ivey announced Monday that Lawson State Community College's lineworker training program is the first in Alabama to receive state approval through the Workforce Pell process.

Ivey presented the college with a certificate recognizing the approval. The program prepares students for utility industry careers through hands-on training.

"Alabama is leading the way in preparing our people for good-paying careers, and approving our first Workforce Pell program is another important step forward," Ivey said. "Lawson State's Lineworker Training Program is preparing Alabamians with the skills employers need while opening doors to rewarding careers. I am proud that this proven program is the first in our state to receive Workforce Pell approval, and I look forward to seeing more opportunities like this become available to Alabamians across our state."

Ivey launched the state's approval process this summer. Workforce Pell expands federal Pell Grant eligibility to approved short-term training programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage or in-demand occupations.

"Today's announcement turns the promise of Workforce Pell into real opportunity for Alabama workers," Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed said. "From the beginning, our goal has been to connect financial assistance with proven training programs that prepare people for careers in Alabama business and industry. Lawson State's Lineworker Training Program is an excellent example of that approach, and its approval establishes a strong foundation as we continue expanding Workforce Pell opportunities across Alabama."

The Department of Workforce administers the state application and review process in consultation with the Alabama Workforce Board. Programs must meet requirements for length, employer demand, recognized credentials, completion and job placement outcomes, and program history.

The Alabama Community College System helps its colleges prepare by compiling program outcome data and reviewing applications before submitting them to the state. Lawson State's application was the first to move through that process.

The college's 10-week lineworker training program provides more than 400 hours of hands-on training. Students learn skills such as pole climbing, power line installation, truck driving and ladder safety.

"Alabama's community colleges are built to respond quickly to the needs of students and employers, and Workforce Pell strengthens our ability to do exactly that," Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker said. "Lawson State has developed a lineworker program that connects focused, hands-on education directly to meet workforce demand. Our partnership with the Department of Workforce gave Lawson State a clear path from application to approval, and that same path is now open to every college in our system. Being the first program approved in Alabama is an important accomplishment for Lawson State and an encouraging first step for the opportunities Workforce Pell can create throughout our community college system."

Lawson State offers the program in partnership with Alabama Power. The college has reported hundreds of applicants for recent classes and said participants who perform well often receive job offers before completing training.

"This approval is a tremendous recognition of the work our faculty, staff and industry partners have done to build a program that truly changes lives," Lawson State President Cynthia T. Anthony said. "Our Lineworker Training Program gives students the opportunity to develop real-world skills, earn valuable credentials and prepare for careers that can provide stability for themselves and their families. We are honored to be Alabama's first approved Workforce Pell program and excited about what this opportunity will mean for the students and communities we serve."

Other Alabama community colleges are working with the system office and the Department of Workforce to prepare applications for programs in high-demand fields. The department will continue reviewing applications from eligible institutions.

The department will publish a directory of approved Alabama Workforce Pell programs on its website as it issues approvals. Institutions affiliated with the Alabama Community College System or the Alabama Commission on Higher Education should coordinate with their respective agencies when preparing applications.

For more information about Workforce Pell, institutional eligibility requirements or the state application process, visit the Department of Workforce website or email [email protected].