AlabamaWorks! and the Alabama Workforce Council are seeking respondents to the Governor’s Survey of Employer Competencies. According to the agencies, this new tool will survey business owners in each sector and region of the state to assist the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways with identifying the current in-demand occupations and competencies, as well as the credentials of value aligned to those occupations.

According to AlabamaWorks! and the AWC, the majority of jobs lack specification regarding the necessary skills required to perform the job and, as a result, “the bachelor’s degree has become the default certification for most jobs that require a postsecondary education. Identifying the skills, knowledge, abilities and attributes needed to succeed within in-demand jobs will prepare Alabama’s workforce for the future.” 

Gov. Kay Ivey called the survey “vitally important as we continue in our ‘Strong Start, Strong Finish’ education and workforce initiative.”

“We remain committed to our post-secondary attainment goal of adding 500,000 highly skilled employees to the workforce by 2025,” Ivey said, “and this survey will help us clearly identify the in-demand careers and associated skills that will help us develop the necessary competency models needed to reach that goal and provide quality opportunities for Alabama’s citizens.”

The official survey is available at https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_42EUK1Eg7Zliak5

The survey will be conducted annually to assist the ACCCP’s advisory committees with continuing to gather updated information on these topics.

“The AWC has consistently engaged in and supported efforts regarding credentialing,” said AWC Chairman Tim McCartney. “The future of workforce in Alabama will be highly impacted by these efforts to establish clear career pathways that are built upon the skills and knowledge shown to be in the most need and provide the highest value for employees and employers across the state.” 

Ultimately, according to the AWC, the survey results will enable the “unbundling” of traditional degrees that will make it easier for employers to create job descriptions by listing the specific skills required for a job, rather than using associate or bachelor’s degrees as catch-all requirements.

“Employers of all sizes and from each industry sector are highly encouraged to respond to the survey, as responses are critical for the future of workforce in Alabama,” the agency urge. Responses will be accepted through June 26 at 5 p.m.