MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced the launch of the Alabama Department of Workforce, a sweeping effort to unify and modernize the state’s workforce programs under one department.
Unveiled during a ceremony on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol, the new agency brings together leaders from industry, education, government and all 67 counties to chart a new course for Alabama’s economic and workforce development.
“Alabama’s workforce is our greatest competitive advantage,” Ivey said. “This unified approach connects individual career advancement to statewide prosperity, ensuring that our human capital drives continued economic growth across all communities.”
The department, led by Secretary Greg Reed, consolidates several previously fragmented programs to create a streamlined, coordinated system. ADOW’s mission is to remove barriers and create clear pathways that connect people to prosperity.
The launch comes as Alabama faces what officials have called a “workforce participation paradox” — a 2.9% unemployment rate alongside one of the nation’s lowest workforce participation rates at 57.8%. Reed said the department will focus on engaging young workers ages 20 to 29, particularly those who lose key supports at age 26.
“We’re not just fixing problems — we’re building Alabama’s competitive future,” Reed said. “Alabama’s greatest resource is its people, and when they thrive, we all rise.”
Reed said the new department will use a mix of technology and community engagement to serve residents across the state. Plans include expanding career centers, adding digital workforce-matching platforms and offering tele-case management services to reach more Alabamians.
“We’re meeting people where they are — by making opportunities accessible for all through their own community connections,” he said.
The department will act as Alabama’s central workforce authority, focusing most of its resources on workforce services while maintaining strong safety and compliance oversight. It will integrate data systems, streamline pathways from education to employment and ensure agencies and partners work in alignment.
While the department plans to use tools such as real-time labor market analytics and virtual training, officials emphasized that human connection will remain at the heart of its mission through community partnerships and local engagement.
The initiative has drawn broad legislative and industry support. Reed called it the most ambitious workforce development effort in Alabama’s history, aimed at building a stronger, more inclusive economy.
“We’re creating a foundation for lasting growth that benefits every community and ensures no Alabamian navigates their career journey alone,” he said.
The Alabama Department of Workforce will serve as the state’s front door for all workforce services, uniting education, training and employment programs to strengthen the state’s economic future.
For more information, visit workforce.alabama.gov.
Photo courtesy of Governor Kay Ivey
