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LBW was recently awarded a grant by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) in the amount of $95,995 to procure Heavy Equipment simulators and Augmented Reality (AR) welding systems for use in the college’s workforce development outreach initiative.

The state-of-the-art equipment, outfitted in the college’s mobile Career Cruiser, will be groundbreaking for the region. LBW’s Career Cruiser is key in providing on-site Workforce Development training, as well as career-centered learning to K12 students within the college’s service area.

One of the leading initiatives of the Career Cruiser is its ability to mobilize and deliver hands-on training and skills enhancement in trade career paths not otherwise possible unless individuals travel to the LBW campus.

The Career Cruiser is an essential tool for providing the latest industry standard training and skills improvement courses; these courses can be tailored specific to an organization’s needs — ranging from broad upskilling practices for current staff to refining skill-specific techniques. Further, the simulators and AR equipment will provide key career exploration for K12 students in our service area and will promote career opportunities within the trade industry.

Heavy equipment operators and welders are one of the most in-demand occupations in the state of Alabama. As the state continues to introduce new industry, these key occupations will continue to demand a qualified workforce.

Through strategic meetings with the municipal representatives, state legislators, and local economic developers, LBW has become keenly aware that quality developed and ready-to-build sites for potential new businesses are not prevalent in the college’s service area; these limitations further impact the ability to recruit additional industry to the area.

“We are thankful for the support from ACCS as well as legislative support so we can continue to meet the needs in our community,” said LBW President Dr. Brock Kelley.

Representative Chris Sells, Alabama House of Representatives – District 90, pledged his office’s support of the initiative and its impact of LBW’s capability to quickly mobilize and provide effective training in Butler Country and greater South Alabama.

“LBW and its ability to train our community’s workforce is essential for economic growth,” Representative Sells stated.

LBW identified the need to implement more services within the heavy equipment and construction field to help local economic developers recruit and retain quality industries who employ sustainable middle- to high-wage jobs. Through this grant, LBW plans to meet the needs of area businesses and industry partners by training a more qualified workforce in an effective and expeditious manner.

“This equipment allows us to be flexible in delivering the training,” Kelley added.  “Having the ability to move the equipment to multiple sites helps us expand our educational footprint.”

Community engagement initiatives between the college and established businesses in the area provide mutually beneficial and lasting outcomes; a more qualified workforce drives business outreach and expansion, while workforce development trainings increase the community’s awareness of the college’s vast trade offerings and training programs.