Students鈥� career outlook expected to see boost as 乐播传媒 becomes first university in Alabama to partner with Alabama Office of Apprenticeship
The 乐播传媒 (乐播传媒) is the first university in the state to be recognized by the聽聽as a Sponsor for Registered Apprenticeship programs according to a joint announcement from 乐播传媒 and the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship along with employer partner, Alabama Pellets and聽Pinnacle Renewable Energy.
Registered Apprenticeships are nationally recognized and meet the rigors of federal standards that include, business involvement, on-the-job training, related instruction, a progressive wage scale, and industry-recognized credentials. In the role of a Sponsor, 乐播传媒 will be responsible for the administration involved in maintaining this recognition as well as managing overall program operation.
鈥淲e are excited that 乐播传媒 is now a registered apprenticeship sponsoring institution,鈥� said 乐播传媒 President Ken Tucker. 鈥淏y entering this new partnership with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, along with our employer partner, Alabama Pellet and Pinnacle Renewable Energy, we are demonstrating our commitment to provide meaningful experiences that allow students to develop their skills necessary to transition successfully from the classroom to the workplace.鈥�
鈥淭he Alabama Office of Apprenticeship is proud to support these innovative programs that demonstrate new strategies in workforce development,鈥� stated Josh Laney, director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. 鈥淲e hope that 乐播传媒鈥檚 sponsorship serves as a catalyst for modern apprenticeships as we continue to build Alabama鈥檚 competitive workforce and create accessible training opportunities for our residents.鈥�
鈥淭hrough partnerships with champion employers like Pinnacle Renewable Energy, apprenticeships are building pathways to advanced careers,鈥� said Laney. 鈥淲e are encouraged to see companies from around the world recognize the opportunities provided by partnering with Alabama鈥檚 outstanding educational institutions, like the 乐播传媒.鈥�
鈥淧innacle is proud to partner with 乐播传媒 and other participants to make this a reality,鈥� said Alabama Pellets General Manager Ritu Linhart. 鈥淎pprenticeships are a proven approach for preparing workers for jobs while meeting the needs of businesses for a highly skilled workforce. Employers benefit from increased retention, productivity, safety, and diversity, while apprentices are provided hands-on training at the job site on a pathway towards a career.鈥�
乐播传媒 is establishing this sponsorship directly in line with for 500,000 newly credentialed Alabamians by 2025. Through competency-based education and stackable credentials, 乐播传媒 is demonstrating innovative leadership with their local partners in building viable talent pipelines and encouraging Alabama job seekers to enter these life-changing career pathways.
鈥淭his initiative provides tremendous flexibility for local business and industry partners and great opportunity for students to all be a part of a nationally-recognized program,鈥� Laney explained. 鈥溊植ゴ� is a pioneer for institutions of higher education as they pave the way for the use of registered apprenticeships as an innovative workforce solution.鈥�
鈥淚n our duty to serve our region, we actively seek creative opportunities to effectively prepare students for the industries that are here now and are expected to continue to flourish for many years,鈥� Tucker said. 鈥淏y doing this, we help build a stronger workforce, and we guide students to successful careers where they are equipped to meet the demands and earn the high wages they deserve.鈥�
鈥淐ontributing to the creation of meaningful training and employment opportunities to further develop the skills of the workforce is a huge win for everyone involved,鈥� said Dr. Tina Jones, vice president of 乐播传媒鈥檚 Division of Economic and Workforce Development. 鈥淎labama Pellets has been actively involved as the champion company and first member of 乐播传媒鈥檚 Registered Apprenticeship initiative, and the Alabama Office of Apprenticeships has been our guiding force in making this effort a success.鈥�
鈥溊植ゴ解�檚 Division of Economic and Workforce Development has done a tremendous job of cultivating relationships, developing programs, and seeking funding for the initiatives that support the workforce component of higher education,鈥� Tucker said. 鈥淲e recognize that to strengthen our region, more than ever we must prepare students for the occupations that exist now, and will in the future, so they can plant their feet on the ground here in the Black Belt and maximize their potential while sustaining our region鈥檚 many assets and opportunities.鈥�
For additional information, contact the 乐播传媒 Division of Economic and Workforce Development at 1-833-乐播传媒-WORK or visit .