Lawson State Community College was among those represented at the recent ACCS Workforce Exchange summit at Regions Field.
The college joined others from Bevill State, Gadsden State, Jefferson State, and Shelton State to welcome local business and industry leaders, elected officials, educators and civic leaders for a day of collaboration, connection and communication.
"We want this vast group of leaders to hear about the opportunities and growth that can occur by connecting and partnering with their local community college," said Keith Phillips, the ACCS Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development and Economic Development and the Executive Director for the Alabama Technology Network (ATN).
The summits, being held statewide, address regional workforce needs, enhance partnerships, foster collaboration, promote training and educational opportunities, all while driving economic growth. Sessions focus on dual enrollment, statewide economic updates, and artificial intelligence.
"For us, workforce development is a shared investment in Alabama's future," said Lawson State President Cynthia T. Anthony. "In our classrooms and labs, through apprenticeships and other experiences, we are preparing the next generation of highly skilled professionals.
"By aligning education with employer needs," she said, "we help Alabama businesses grow and ensure our students leave not just ready to work, but ready to lead."
That sentiment was reinforced by Jason Watters, Workforce Development Manager at Alabama Power, was among the Pathways in Work-Based Learning session panelists at the Birmingham Summit.
"Most problems in our industry can be solved with assistance from the ACCS and its colleges. We have a longstanding, fluid and successful relationship with the ACCS," Mr. Watters said. "As we look at workforce, a lot of our roles are bulk hires, and it seems like there's panic to have a strategy. Alabama Power has said, and hopefully other industries have said that chances are half of that work, and the road less traveled, could be fulfilled through the Alabama Community College System."
Alabama Power partners with Lawson State and other ACCS colleges for a variety of programs, including the very competitive Line Worker offering. Most recently, Lawson State received upward of 300 applications for fewer than 30 spots in the program that begins in January 2026. Those who complete the rigorous training are often sought-after for roles before they even graduate.
The college also recently wrapped up its first Customer Service Professional (CSP) short-term program, which was developed in partnership with companies like Alabama Power, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Protective Life, and others.
