Third Annual West Alabama Regional Signing Day Is Coming Fast

Dozens of high school seniors in West Alabama have decided on their career paths after graduation.

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The number of seniors is expected to increase in the coming days as more make their decisions to enter apprenticeships or full-time employment. The seniors will be honored at the West Alabama Regional Signing Day Honoring Career Technical Education on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023, at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy. Hundreds of students have successfully entered the workforce or begun apprenticeships since the inception of Regional Signing Day in 2019. This year's ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m.

“We’re so excited to be able to celebrate our student’s success once again,” said West AlabamaWorks! Executive Director, Donny Jones in a press release sent to Townsquare Media.

“This is one of my favorite events we put on each year because it brings everything we do, from virtual reality TransfrVR headsets in the school systems, WOW, WOW mini, WOW Varsity, and WOW 2.0, all to this moment (Regional Signing Day) to bring awareness of student success through apprenticeships, career pathways, and internships,” said Jones.

Companies such as Mercedes Auto Tech Program, Skilled Trades of West Alabama, Lear, Schnellecke Logistics, MBUSI Mechatronics, Premier Service Company, BloGo Salon & Skin Wellness, Phifer, ARD Logistics, Hale County EMS, Nucor Academy, and Warrior Met Coal are participating by awarding apprenticeships and job offers. Companies participating will be added frequently in the coming days as the hiring and onboarding process of high school seniors completes.

The career technical education students have signed contingent offers to begin full-time employment following graduation. Students entering apprenticeships will train with a company or training organization in a skilled trade such as welding, manufacturing, and construction, among others. Many will also attend a technical school or college as part of the apprenticeship.

A portion of the honorees earned their job or apprenticeship offers through WOW 2.0, an event for high school seniors held on April 12th at Shelton State Community College. The event is a continuation of West Alabama Works’ annual Worlds of Work (WOW) event for eighth-graders. The events help West Alabama students learn about the competitive, fulfilling work opportunities in the region.

This event highlights the importance of career technical education in preparing students for successful careers in a variety of fields. By working with local businesses and organizations, students have access to valuable resources and support that can help them achieve their career goals.

The participation of companies such as Mercedes Auto Tech Program, Skilled Trades of West Alabama, Lear, Schnellecke Logistics, MBUSI Mechatronics, Premier Service Company, BloGo Salon & Skin Wellness, Phifer, ARD Logistics, Hale County EMS, Nucor Academy, and Warrior Met Coal demonstrates their commitment to investing in the future of their communities. By providing apprenticeships and job opportunities to high school seniors, these companies are creating a pipeline of skilled workers that will benefit the region for years to come.

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Congratulations to all of the high school seniors who will be honored at the West Alabama Regional Signing Day Honoring Career Technical Education, and best wishes for success in their future careers.