Healthcare Education: Exploring Career Pathways in Alabama with Kenneth Kirkland
In Episode 44, “Healthcare Education: Exploring Career Pathways in Alabama”, hosts Houston Blackwood and Julie Frizzell explore the innovative workforce development initiatives shaping Alabama's healthcare landscape with the Dean of Health Sciences at Calhoun Community College. From his journey in manufacturing to healthcare education, Kenneth shares insights on addressing critical workforce shortages, nursing apprenticeships and dual enrollment pathways for high school students.Discover the Skills for Success Nursing Support Technician (NST) course that is designed to streamline patient care training, and its integration with traditional CNA programs to offer students a versatile set of credentials. This initiative also provides another valuable pathway for students to enter the healthcare field and for healthcare employers to find trained workers.This episode offers a deep dive into Alabama's healthcare workforce training efforts and highlights the collaboration between CTE leaders and healthcare professionals. Tune in to hear how the ACCS is pioneering healthcare education and shaping the future of the state’s healthcare workforce, preparing the next generation of skilled professionals!
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45:55
Bridging The Gap: Empowering Local Leaders and Strengthening Communities with Mary Jackson
In Episode 43, “Bridging The Gap: Empowering Local Leaders and Strengthening Communities with Mary Jackson” podcast hosts Kailah Dozier and Brandi Merrill dive deep into local government and community development with the Director of Community and Professional Development at the Alabama League of Municipalities. Mary shares her journey from Colorado to Alabama, discussing her background as a city clerk and her dedication to empowering local leaders. Learn about the League’s initiatives and the partnership between the League and the Innovation Center to create a Skills for Success course specifically tailored for mayors and city officials that focuses on the training needed to lead a community forward.Discover how government agencies and community partners can work together to enhance cities and towns and explore innovative solutions to educate the youth and local leadership to cultivate the next generation of civic-minded changemakers. Whether you're a local official, community advocate, or simply interested in government, this episode offers a unique look at how Alabama’s communities are growing and thriving!
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47:32
Crafting Content: Behind the Scenes Collaboration with Seed Creative
In Episode 42, “Crafting Content: Behind the Scenes Collaboration with Seed Creative,” podcast hosts Brandi Merrill and Julie Frizzell welcome two creative minds behind the compelling content for Skills for Success and the ACCS Innovation Center.Join George Edmondson, founder of Seed Creative, and team member Nick Golden as they share their unique backgrounds and journeys to Seed Creative. They discuss the evolution of their partnership with the ACCS Innovation Center over the past two years, driven by a shared mission to produce videos that truly make an impact. Listen in as they unveil their innovative approach to content creation and the continuous improvement processes that drive their work. Discover the behind-the-scenes magic that has led to a remarkable number of Skills for Success courses delivered and students trained, highlighting the power of collaboration, storytelling, and creativity.Don’t miss this enlightening episode, filled with heartfelt and fun stories, dynamic teamwork, and the transformative potential of pursuing one's passion. Tune in and be inspired by the incredible impact of creativity and dedication!
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Industry Driven: Training For The Community with Micheal Barnette
In Episode 41, “Industry Driven: Training For The Community with Micheal Barnette” Dean of Workforce and Economic Development Programs from Central Alabama Community College joins Brandi Merrill and Julie Frizzell for a conversation focused on the dynamic world of workforce development. Micheal shares his career journey from over 20 years to now leading workforce initiatives at CACC, which serves a wide region. He discusses the college’s strong emphasis on non-credit, industry-driven training programs and highlights the success of training incumbent workers and high school students, as well as Alabama Veterans through a partnership with Dovetail Landing. Join us as we unpack insights and strategies shaping the future of workforce development in Alabama. Whether you're an educator, industry leader, or passionate about empowering communities, this episode will inspire you to rethink the collaborative efforts driving lasting change. Tune in and be part of a conversation that is transforming lives through training across the state!
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Connecting Students: Pathways of Education and Skills Training in Workforce Development with Kerry Wright
In episode 40, “Connecting Students: Pathways of Education and Skills Training in Workforce Development” podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozer sit down with the Dean of Workforce Development and Skills Training at Northeast Alabama Community College. Kerry shares his unique career journey, from opening a collision repair shop to transitioning into teaching and leading workforce initiatives.Hear about Kerry Wright’s experience with integrating the ACCS Innovation Center's Skills for Success program into the college's offerings. He shares his initial skepticism, but how he's seen the positive impact it's had on reaching students who may not have otherwise pursued post-secondary education or skills training. He also highlights how Northeast Alabama is working with local school systems to offer school bus training. Get an inside look at how they're working to show students the full range of post-secondary options - from skills-based credentials to traditional degree programs that ultimately lead to in-demand jobs. Join us as we explore transformative strategies in workforce development that empower students and reshape the future of education!