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Tag: Career Training

  • Free Trade School Partnership: Africatown & DHL

    Ever thought about a career in logistics or the global supply chain but worried about the cost of education? Well, get ready for some exciting news! The Africatown Organization, in collaboration with global logistics giant DHL, has launched a tuition-free trade school aimed at empowering individuals with the skills needed for high-demand careers in these fields.

    Introducing the Pollee and Rose Allen School of Logistics & Trade

    This incredible initiative is called the Pollee and Rose Allen School of Logistics & Trade. It’s not just about learning; it’s about creating opportunities that have historically been hard to access for many in the community. The school recently kicked off its second semester on September 4, 2025, with a focus on deepening students’ understanding of shipping and the global supply chain.

    The program is a partnership between DHL Global Forwarding and Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring the legacy of enslaved people brought to Mobile, Alabama, on the Clotilda slave ship. The inaugural semester began on February 6, 2025, with six students successfully graduating.

    Skills for High-Demand, High-Paying Careers

    The free online program features weekly 90-minute courses taught by industry professionals. This hands-on approach gives students a realistic glimpse into the world of logistics and trade. The best part? Many of these jobs don’t even require a college degree, but they do demand specialized skills – skills you can gain right here.

    And let’s talk about earning potential: individuals working in this industry have the opportunity to earn six-figure salaries! Beyond the weekly courses, students also benefit from monthly sessions with industry leaders, offering invaluable networking and mentorship opportunities.

    Honoring a Legacy, Building a Future

    The school is thoughtfully named after Pollee and Rose Allen, survivors of the Clotilda, who were illegally brought to the U.S. in 1860. They, along with 30 other Clotilda survivors, went on to found Africatown, an all-Black community north of Mobile. Veda Robbins, the school administrator and a descendant of Pollee and Rose Allen, shared, ‘This initiative is more than just education—it’s about empowerment and creating opportunities that have historically been out of reach for many in our community.’

    Graduates will receive a certificate from DHL Global Forwarding, a significant credential to kickstart their careers. While the program primarily targets individuals aged 16 to 24, older adults looking for a career change are encouraged to apply and may be admitted with special permission.

    Are you or someone you know interested in a career in logistics? Visit the Embracing Your Past website to learn more about future enrollment opportunities!

  • Coalition Aims to Boost Career Training and Apprenticeships

    Imagine graduating high school not just with a diploma, but also with valuable work experience and a head start on your career. That’s the vision behind a new coalition aiming to ‘accelerate’ career training and apprenticeships. Spearheaded by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and CareerWise USA, this initiative brings together governors, labor unions, and educational leaders to transform how students prepare for the workforce.

    The Education and Apprenticeship Accelerator

    The newly formed coalition, called the Education and Apprenticeship Accelerator, officially launched late last month. Its primary goal is to enhance and broaden Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools and community colleges. Crucially, it aims to create more paid internships and apprenticeships, allowing students to earn while they learn and gain practical skills.

    Currently, only about 5% of high school students nationwide have access to internships or apprenticeships. The coalition hopes to significantly increase this number by fostering collaboration between government, businesses, and educational institutions. This partnership seeks to overcome challenges like aligning school and work schedules, providing transportation, and ensuring students receive course credit for their work-based learning.

    Shifting the Focus from ‘College for All’

    AFT President Randi Weingarten highlighted the need to move beyond the traditional ‘college for all’ mindset. She believes that providing diverse pathways to career success is essential, especially for students who may feel ‘at sea’ without clear direction. This initiative champions alternative routes to fulfilling careers, recognizing that not every student’s path leads through a four-year university.

    CareerWise founder Noel Ginsburg emphasized the importance of this collaborative approach. By working together, rather than independently, the coalition aims to streamline efforts and create a more cohesive system that benefits students. Ginsburg sees the participating states as crucial ‘laboratories’ to develop successful models that can then be promoted nationwide.

    Lessons from Europe and Growing U.S. Trends

    The coalition draws inspiration from European apprenticeship systems, where participation rates are significantly higher. While U.S. apprenticeships have traditionally focused on construction trades and often begin after high school, there’s a growing trend to expand these programs into fields like healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. This aligns with support from U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, who has praised the Swiss apprenticeship model and advocated for more CTE and tuition assistance.

    Even President Donald Trump has supported expanding apprenticeships, signing an executive order to create a million more. However, the administration’s actions, such as pausing the Job Corps program, present ongoing challenges. This coalition aims to build momentum and create sustainable pathways for students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce.

    What are your thoughts on the importance of apprenticeships and career training? Do you think this coalition will make a significant impact? Share your views in the comments below!