WORC Initiative

Employers across Alabama are hiring for good-paying jobs in high-demand industries like transportation and construction, and Reid State Community College can help you qualify.  

The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC)  Initiative, through the U.S. Department of Labor, provides tuition-free, hands-on training in career pathways with strong regional demand and long-term growth potential including: 

• Skid Steer 
• Mini Excavator 
• Forklift 
• Plumbing 
• Commercial Truck Driving 

The WORC Initiative supports the development of career pathways in high-demand industries throughout Alabama’s Delta Region, including Butler, Conecuh, Escambia, and Monroe Counties, and portions of Covington and Wilcox counties.   

Whether you are out of work or looking to upscale, you’ll get the skills employers need and can be job-ready in just weeks. 

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. 

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

             Heavy Equipment Operator Training (Skid Steer, 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 

             Plumbing 
             Focus: Safety protocols, equipment handling, and site work readiness 

The WORC Initiative is designed to: 

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