WORC Initiative

Program Overview

The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative supports the development of career pathways in high-demand industries throughout Alabama’s Delta Region including Conecuh, Escambia, Butler and Monroe Counties. This initiative is designed to:

Boost economic mobility in underserved rural communities
Connect individuals to sustainable employment
Address critical workforce gaps through skills-based training

At Reid State Technical College, the WORC grant allows us to offer tuition-free, hands-on training in fields that lead to family-sustaining wages.

Target Industries

The WORC Initiative focuses on career fields with strong regional demand and long-term growth potential:

Construction
Transportation

Training Opportunities

Participants in the WORC Initiative can choose from the following high-demand career pathways:

Heavy Equipment Operator Training (Skidsteer, Forklift, Mini-Excavator)
Focus: Safety protocols, equipment handling, and site work readiness

Commercial Truck Driver Training (CDL)
Focus: DOT regulations, vehicle operation, and CDL exam preparation

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the WORC Initiative, participants must:

Be 18 years or older
Be authorized to work in the U.S.
Reside in Alabama’s Delta Region (Conecuh, Escambia, Monroe, Butler or Wilcox Counties)
Be unemployed, underemployed, formerly incarcerated, or face other employment barriers
Demonstrate a commitment to completing training and pursuing a career in one of the covered industries.

W.O.R.C. Initiative

WORC Initiative: Engage, Empower, Employ

Funded by: U.S. Department of Labor

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