Superintendents, career technical directors and principals from schools throughout southeast Alabama attended an Educator Workforce Academy session hosted by Troy University last week.

The Educator Workforce Academy, a program sponsored by Southeast AlabamaWorks, aims to give educators more information about the industry career prospects their students face in the region.

“Southeast AlabamaWorks is one of seven workforce councils around the state that are part of the Alabama Department of Commerce,” said Ryan Richards, Director of Workforce Development for Southeast AlabamaWorks. “Those in attendance for the Educator Workforce Academy are involved in pre-K all the way through high school, and they need to be aware of all things workforce-related going on in their school systems, community colleges, adult career centers and the governor’s office.”

In addition to discussions and speeches throughout the day, academy members toured the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Brundidge and KW Container in Troy.

Ultimately, educators leave these sessions better informed about the types of employees needed by these businesses and the training necessary to work there.

Speaking to academy members, TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., said emerging technology continues to have the biggest effect on education and the workforce.

Richards, a TROY alum, said the University’s commitment to workforce development made it a natural fit to hose the academy session.

“They’re in our region, and we understand they’re a valuable asset in the workforce pipeline,” Richards said. “Chancellor Hawkins has committed himself to redeveloping the workforce pipeline. This session is also allowing our educators that may not get to come here often to see what’s new about Troy University.”