About Us

 

In order for businesses to grow and compete in the local and global economy, they must have skilled, experienced workers. New and evolving business models confirm education, job training and career development are the cornerstones of economic security. That's where we come in.

We are Southwest Alabama Partnership for Training and Employment (SWAPTE) and we're dedicated to building a world-class workforce with solutions to create a stronger economy.

SWAPTE is a regional partnership of business, education, labor and community leaders serving Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, Washington and Wilcox counties.

 

Our workforce investment program provides the framework for a unique training and employment system designed to meet the needs of businesses requiring qualified workers and jobseekers desiring to further their careers.

Advantages of SWAPTE’s workforce investment program:

Training and employment programs designed and managed at the regional level—where the needs of businesses and workers are best understood.

Convenient access to employment, education, training and information services.

Programs that allow job seekers to have options in training curricula that fits their needs and that of companies they will serve—giving them control over their career development.

Access to information on training providers and their accomplishments in preparing job seekers for the workforce.

Businesses take a leadership role in our training and employment programs. They provide vital information to help prepare job seekers for immediate and future needs of the workforce.

SWAPTE provides a network of resources that offer comprehensive employment, career counseling and job training services to businesses and job seekers through the one-stop Alabama Career Centers. We're positioned to work with local businesses to leverage their training investment, adding profit back to their bottom line. SWAPTE ‘s On-the-Job Training pays up to 50% of costs to train a company's eligible new hires from 11 to 26 weeks; while SWAPTE’s Incumbent Worker Training pays up to 50% of a company's total training costs for existing staff, up to $30,000 maximum per contract. Businesses put up the other 50% and may contribute in-kind contributions as well as cash toward the match.