Power Up Your Future: Free Carpentry & Electrical Training Coming to the 'Ham!

Get ready, Birmingham! Dr. Mittie Cannon, the brains behind Hoover's Power UP Inc. and CRL Resources LLC., says a new partnership is about to give our local economy a serious jolt!

CRL Resources Launches Free Training Program

CRL Resources, a consulting powerhouse specializing in business strategy and workforce development, is offering a FREE carpentry/electrical training program this summer! Mark your calendars: June 3rd to July 24th.

What to Expect

"This 8-week program runs Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 20 PM," a CRL insider shared. "We're covering NCCER Core, OSHA 10 for Construction, and NCCER Carpentry/Electrical Level 1 Training... plus, job placement opportunities await at the end!"

Power UP's Mission

Cannon founded Power UP back in 2015 to bring more women into the construction world. Inspired to help folks bounce back after COVID, she envisions this program putting men and women back on the path to success.

"It's about understanding the importance of being in the workforce to help keep costs down," she explained. "It's incredibly rewarding to see people thrive after gaining these skills and building their own careers."

A Ripple Effect

Cannon emphasizes the broader impact: "Training programs lead to employment, which boosts the local economy and benefits our schools. It's a ripple effect! Taking someone off public assistance, breaking cycles, building confidence—it all starts with introducing them to a skilled trade."

The Bigger Picture: Workforce Needs

While Birmingham-Hoover boasts a low unemployment rate (2.8%), that still leaves over 16,000 eligible folks looking for work. Tara Hutchison from the Alabama Department of Labor highlights the need for more resources like workforce training and childcare to further reduce that number.

Hutchison also points out that skill gaps can be a major hurdle, emphasizing the importance of ensuring individuals are qualified for available jobs.

"There could be a multitude of reasons why someone is not working," she said. "We are still seeing childcare and eldercare shortages keeping people out of the workforce. Those who have to care for aging parents or small children.”