Local Energy Companies Partner with Birmingham Urban League and the Center for Energy Workforce Development to Create Regional Urban Energy Jobs Program  

 Collaboration helps fuel the energy talent pipeline and brings career readiness education to underrepresented populations in the community 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., (June 14, 2023) – Alabama Power Company and Spire along with the Birmingham Urban League announced the rollout of their regional pre-apprenticeship initiative as part of the Urban Energy Jobs Program, a joint effort between the National Urban League (NUL) and the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD). As part of the program, Birmingham was identified as a dedicated city to launch a career training initiative to help bridge the gap between job seekers in underrepresented populations and energy career opportunities. 

“Our community, government, and corporate leaders must continue to make diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility a top priority.  More particularly in workforce development. Birmingham and surrounding communities have tremendous opportunities to strengthen and authentically represent the talent pipeline,” said William Barnes, President and CEO of the Birmingham Urban League. “Through the Urban Energy Jobs Program, the Birmingham Urban League and our local energy partners are committed to empowering people from underrepresented communities to obtain equitable opportunities for rewarding careers.” 

During the multi-year partnership, the program will funnel Birmingham residents from Urban League’s diverse talent pool through preparatory training and pre-apprenticeship programs to opportunities in Registered Apprenticeship Programs with energy companies across CEWD’s partnership network, inclusive of Alabama Power Company and Spire. The goal is to train individuals and provide the educational tools and resources to be ready to join the energy industry.   

The local energy companies are working with the Birmingham Urban League to expand and diversify the city’s workforce, starting with a six-session program this fall that offers certifications in Construction, Skilled Trades, Customer Service, & Career Readiness. 

Birmingham Urban League is one of six affiliates to lead this important work, paving the way for additional cities to join the initiative and fueling the energy industry pipeline with diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility at the forefront of this work. Each Urban League affiliate is responsible for recruitment, intake assessments, eligibility screening services, enrollment, career readiness training, soft skills training, support services, partnership and liaison with pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship Program partners, and referral to Registered Apprenticeship Program opportunities. The collaboration has been enabled by NUL’s receipt of a Department of Labor Upskilling grant. 

“As the energy sector continues to grow, there is an opportunity and an appetite to ensure companies build a workforce representative of the communities they serve,” said Missy Henriksen, Executive Director at CEWD. “This collaborative partnership makes that possible through its local, grassroots approach. Having strong partners lead the local program efforts in Birmingham, I’m confident in the progressive work being done and look forward to seeing the positive impact their efforts will have on shaping the future of the energy business.”   

The six-session program in Birmingham kicks off this fall. For those interested in joining the pre-employment training program and to learn more at an upcoming informational event in July, sign up at www.Birminghamul.org by Friday, July 7. To learn more about the national Urban Energy Jobs Program, visit cewd.org/national-urban-league.  

About The Center for Energy Workforce Development  

The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) is a non-profit consortium of electric, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy companies, and their associations, committed to the development of a skilled, diverse energy workforce. Learn more at cewd.org and www.GetIntoEnergy.org.  

About the National Urban League 

The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 92 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @NatUrbanLeague. 

For more information about the Birmingham Urban League, visit www.birminghamul.org. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. 

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Meagan Dominick, Vault Communications
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