In a move to bolster workforce development, the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber is expanding its ASmartPlace.com initiative. This extension, known as “Smart Careers,” aims to accelerate the careers of job seekers interested in four specific industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Construction, and Healthcare. This innovative approach caters to individuals who may not have the time, opportunity, or inclination to pursue a traditional four-year college degree.

Lyndsay Ferguson, Vice President of Chamber Workforce, emphasized the significance of nurturing skilled and technical talent, which plays a crucial role in the success of local employers. Beyond the renowned rocket scientists, Huntsville needs skilled professionals in various industries, including rocket builders.

The ASmartPlace initiative, established over 15 years ago, recently underwent a comprehensive revamp in early 2022. The latest addition, Smart Careers, has already garnered positive feedback. This resource serves as a valuable hub for employers considering relocation to the area, offering consolidated information for site selectors and prospective companies eyeing Huntsville.

Smart Careers, part of ASmartPlace.com, promotes opportunities in industries that offer long-term career paths and require two years of education or less to get started. The four featured sectors are poised for significant growth in the coming decade:

– Manufacturing: With 275+ employers in the region, a 24% growth rate is projected over the next 10 years.

– Information Technology: Over 450 employers operate in the region, with a 16% growth forecast over the next decade.

– Construction: Over 900 employers are active in the region, with a 16% growth projection over the next 10 years.

– Healthcare: With 1,600 employers in the region, a 17% growth rate is anticipated over the next decade.

To ensure the success of this initiative, the Chamber is partnering with key institutions like Calhoun Community College, Drake State Community and Technical College, AIDT, KTECH, and the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy, among others, to disseminate vital information.

Smart Careers also caters to K-12 students who seek a faster entry into a promising career while still in school. The new addition also shares real life experiences from local employees in each field, thanks to the help of Big Communications. Five videos show how an individual’s dreams became their current career realities. Created with futuristic animation, these videos set the stage for opportunities abound in the four industries – individual videos represent each industry and one summarized video includes the overall message.

For comprehensive information on the Smart Careers initiative, visit asmartplace.com/smart-careers.