SAWDC's Vision

To develop a comprehensive, integrated workforce development system which creates a skilled, diverse, motivated, adaptable workforce that better meets the needs of employers and leads to a better quality of life for our citizens.

SAWDC's Mission

To develop strategic partnerships which attract, educate and train students and workers to better meet employer needs and foster economic growth in a global marketplace.

Background: Alabama's Workforce Development System

In 2006, Mayor Samuel Jones of the City of Mobile engaged over 100 volunteers working across many sectors of the community to develop a comprehensive strategic workforce plan. At the same time, Alabama Governor Bob Riley, who had recognized that Alabama's workforce development efforts were fragmented and that the State was not getting maximum benefit from its workforce development resources, created the State Workforce Planning Council made up of State agency heads and representatives of industry and education.  The State Planning Council was and is charged with creating a workforce development system characterized by coordinated planning, budgeting, and resource allocations.  The Governor's Office of Workforce Development (GOWD) was also created.  Under the direction from the State Planning Council, GOWD manages the system so that resources and strategies are aligned to meet priority needs

As part of GOWD strategy, the State was divided into ten regions.  Ten Regional Workforce Development Councils were established to provide a direct link to the workforce needs of business and industry at the local level. The Councils are business-driven and business-led and work with their member counties to develop a regional strategic plan and comprehensive workforce development system that supports local economic and job development activities. Councils are responsible for approving community college applications in their respective regions and submitting those applications for funding through the Governor's Office of Workforce Development further ensuring alignment of resources to meet local needs and address local priorities.