Workforce & Education
Mission
Enhance the development of our existing and future workforce through local and regional partnerships to provide a globally competitive business environment for the Decatur-Morgan County, Alabama area.
The workforce development committee and sub-committees work to help expand public and private workforce training efforts for the emerging, unemployed and underemployed workers in Morgan County. The focus of the committee is to provide a well-trained workforce to meet the needs of area businesses and industries.
Partners-in-Education
The Partners-In-Education program links area businesses and industries with schools in Decatur, Hartselle and Morgan County to provide educational opportunities for the students and increase the awareness of area businesses and industries. Partnerships also heighten awareness of present and future job needs, help improve the education of future employees and customers, and increases understanding of the quality and needs of public school systems, whose health is vital to the community's economic well being.
To download the Partners-in-Education Partner application for 2017-2018 form, click here.
To download the Partners-in-Education School application for 2017-2018 form, click here.
Workforce Coalition
The Morgan County Workforce Development Coalition is a partnership of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and the Morgan County Economic Development Association. Our vision for Morgan County is to be the place where current employers thrive and new employers locate because of our skilled, highly competitive workforce.
Quality Education Committee
The Quality Education Committee consists of educators, concerned citizens and local business representatives. The committee focuses on the objectives of community involvement to increase student success, increasing quality and access to Pre-K education, provide high performance learning environments for K-12 and expanding local access to higher education and job training opportunities.
An output of the Quality Education Committee was the establishment of the "Starting Strong Pre-K" initiative -- a partnership between the Committee, Decatur-Morgan County's Minority Development Association, The United Way of Morgan County and the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama. The team advocates, applies for annual grants and fundraises to expand access to Pre-K for all children in Morgan County. The collaborative group has a goal of reaching 100 percent access to voluntary Pre-K. In 2015, the group received grants and raised money to add five and renew two Pre-K classrooms. With the addition of five classrooms in 2013-2014 academic year, five classrooms in the 2014-2015 year and five classrooms for the 2015-2016 year, approximately 260 young people have voluntary access to Pre-K programming due to the efforts of the initiative.
SWeETy Camp
Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and Calhoun Community College team up to present the Summer Welding & Electrical Technology Camp for 9th – 12th grade girls. This free camp provides hands-on experience in welding and electricity and help students develop problem solving skills and teamwork as they participate in instructor-led projects, field trips, and interact with women role models during industry sponsored lunches. We have also added a second camp to the lineup in partnership with local schools and business and industry partners.
To register for SWeETy Camp June 5-8 at Calhoun, click here.
To register for SWeETy Camp June 26-29 at Priceville High School, click here.
Workforce Communication
Administer a proactive communication plan to promote the Workforce Development efforts in our area by informing community groups and organizations how we can all work together to better prepare our current and future workforce. Promote and use the Workforce E-Newsletter to achieve this goal.
How to get Involved
There are many opportunities for local businesses and business leaders to get involved in the education and workforce development programs that the Chamber sponsors. If you are interested in becoming involved in a program, contact the Chamber at (256) 353-5312.
Other workforce and education events hosted by the Chamber
- State of the Schools Address - Decatur City Schools
- State of the Schools Address - Morgan County Schools
- New Teacher Luncheon - Morgan County Schools
- New Teacher Breakfast - Decatur City Schools
- Partners-In-Education Breakfast and Work Session
- Career & Workforce Expo
- Endless Opportunities
