BESSEMER, Ala. — The City of Bessemer has launched the Bessemer Built Scholarship, a new education and workforce development initiative that will provide at least $10,000 in tuition assistance to Bessemer City High School graduates beginning with the Class of 2027.
Mayor Kenneth E. Gulley announced the program Aug. 14. The initiative will be available through the Class of 2030 for students attending Miles College, Lawson State Community College or Stillman College.
The program combines college tuition support with workforce training opportunities, including programs focused on technology and skilled trades, creating a potential pathway from high school to higher education and careers.
The Bessemer Built program is designed to expand access to higher education while developing career pathways for local students.
The workforce component is particularly significant because it includes training in skilled trades and technology. Students will have opportunities to develop skills that can translate into careers in industries that need a steady supply of qualified workers.
Mayor Gulley said the initiative is intended to encourage Bessemer students to live, learn, work and thrive in and around the city.
QTS Vice President Kimberly Hines said the company is supporting the program as part of an effort to expand educational opportunities, strengthen workforce pathways and create new opportunities for Bessemer students.
The skilled-trades component of Bessemer Built could be particularly relevant to construction owners, general contractors and specialty contractors facing persistent challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified workers.
Potential workforce pipeline: Training in skilled trades can introduce more students to construction-related careers, helping companies develop a future pool of workers.
Local talent development: Contractors working in Bessemer and surrounding communities could benefit from graduates who receive technical and career-oriented training close to home.
Apprenticeship opportunities: The program could create opportunities for construction companies to partner with schools, colleges and workforce organizations on apprenticeships, internships and other hands-on training.
Long-term labor availability: Developing students before they enter the workforce can help construction companies reduce reliance on an increasingly competitive market for experienced skilled workers.
Stronger industry partnerships: Construction companies can potentially engage with educational institutions to help shape training programs around the skills employers need.
Community investment: Supporting workforce initiatives can help construction owners strengthen local economies while developing a workforce for future projects.
Bottom line: For construction owners, the Bessemer Built Scholarship represents a potential long-term workforce development opportunity. By combining tuition assistance with skilled-trades training, the program could help create a stronger local pipeline of workers for construction and other industries.
Source: WVTM 13.
