Workforce – Talent Development & Recruitment
The goal of the Chamber's talent development and recruitment programs are to 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 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. Click here to view our full list of Partners-in-Education.
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.
Skills for Success
The Chamber’s Quality Education Committee, in collaboration with Community Action Partnership of North Alabama, Decatur City Schools, Hartselle City Schools, Morgan County Schools and the Decatur Public Library, launched “Skills for Success” – a resource to ensure parents and teachers can have conversations about what is expected of children in grades K-8. As students transfer between the three school systems, these literature resources will help the community understand consistent expectations across Morgan County for each child in their respective grades.
The end product – available in English and Spanish – will also assist parents and community members in understanding expectations of the Alabama College and Career Ready Standards. The Skills for Success team was composed of teachers and administrators from across the three school systems working together to create the resources in laymen’s terms, ensuring parents and teachers can have clear conversations about academic benchmarks.
Educational Camps
SWeETy Camp
The Chamber 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 helps 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.
CyberPatriot Camp
The Chamber and Calhoun Community College present two week-long CyberPatriot Camps where students learn about the field of cyber security from local industry leaders. The goal of these two camps is to offer students an opportunity to learn hands-on about technical skills that can lead to high paying, in-demand careers in high growth industries.
Advanced Automotive Academy
The Chamber and Calhoun Community College hold a three-day Advanced Automotive Academy, where high school students gain hands-on experience with electric and hybrid vehicles, build an electric motor and learn the basics of gas engines.
Other Workforce and Education Events Hosted by the Chamber
- New Teacher Breakfast
- Career & Workforce Expo
- Endless Opportunities
- Industry Day for Teachers
- Workforce NOW Summit
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.