Alabama Businesses Need Skilled Talent, Commonsense Occupational Licensing Reform Will Help

STRIVE Birmingham Executive Director Quiwintre Frye with the first graduating cohort of Fresh Start, a program that helps adults 25+ who have been impacted by the justice system prepare for good jobs in growing industries.

Alabama remains a top-ranked state for business, strengthened by our competitive workforce training programs, business-friendly policies, and vital public-private partnerships. However, we’re not immune to persistent national labor shortages. Local businesses of all sizes are searching for skilled talent to fuel innovation and growth — especially within our strong and emerging industries.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, our state has one of the most severe workforce shortages in the country, with only 38 available workers for every 100 open jobs. We’re also only one of two states whose labor force participation rate has remained nearly the same since pre-pandemic. This tells us that we can make policy changes within our state to strengthen our workforce and unlock new pipelines of talent.

Until this month, Alabama’s laws unnecessarily restricted individuals with criminal records from obtaining occupational licenses required to work in certain professions, blocking potential employees from the workforce. Even minor or low-level records unrelated to a job’s requirements can create harmful barriers to employment and prevent employers from tapping into otherwise qualified workers.

At STRIVE, a leading workforce development nonprofit organization, we know how hiring people who have been impacted by the justice system is a proven solution to expand the workforce. More than 80% of business leaders rate the work of their justice-impacted employees the same or better than that of workers without records. Arbitrarily excluding this group from occupational licenses is a missed opportunity for us all.

That’s why we at STRIVE in Birmingham applaud the recent passage of Senate Bill 138 (SB138), a policy solution that will lower these barriers by opening access to occupational licensing. Now signed into law by Governor Ivy, it will ensure individuals with a non-violent or unrelated criminal record are not automatically disqualified from licensing and will clarify eligibility requirements. Moreover, it will help motivated and talented job seekers enter the specialized fields that need them most, while still maintaining high safety and qualification standards.

Nearly one in every five jobs in Alabama requires an occupational license. The reformed occupational licensing system will save tax dollars and increase our collective prosperity. It is estimated that licensing has been costing our state’s economy $1.88 billion each year and led to nearly 21,000 fewer jobs.

We’ve seen the transformative power of opportunity firsthand. Fresh Start, a national program of STRIVE offered by STRIVE in Birmingham, helps justice-impacted citizens aged 25 and older who are ready for a new beginning to navigate barriers to employment and achieve financial independence. It prepares students who have been previously incarcerated, on probation, or on parole, to confidently reenter the workforce by providing tuition-free skills training, job-readiness, and placement assistance in high-demand fields. STRIVE also connects students with access to housing, health and wellness services, and other personalized support to start a new chapter.

The first graduating cohort of Fresh Start in Birmingham celebrates this significant milestone on the path to their careers.

The fact is that a stable job can change lives and entire communities for the better. Research shows that gainful employment is among the most important factors in preventing recidivism — thus promoting public safety.

We’ve also seen the positive impact on businesses that hire Fresh Start employees, who bring unique perspectives and are loyal and committed to their employers. Employees given a second chance after completing their sentences have a lower turnover rate, saving businesses critical dollars on hiring and retention costs.

It’s a win-win for everyone.

Fresh Start students earned their Forklift Operator certifications and are actively applying with local employers.

Fortunately, our legislators have ensured the passage of legislation to thoughtfully improve the occupational licensing system. Now that it has been signed into law, fair access to jobs in Alabama will now be open for our STRIVE students and all Alabamians — boosting incomes, increasing tax revenue, and reducing the need for long-term government support.

We applaud lawmakers for supporting Senate Bill 138 and Governor Ivey for signing it into law. We look forward to helping hardworking Alabamians benefit from these reforms and enter the specialized, high-demand fields that continue to strengthen our great state's economy.

Quiwintre Frye is the Executive Director of STRIVE Birmingham. As a seasoned nonprofit leader and passionate advocate for Birmingham residents, she has extensive experience empowering local communities through education and economic opportunity.

About STRIVE

STRIVE is national leader in workforce development, founded and headquartered in Harlem, New York. For more than 40 years, STRIVE has empowered individuals facing systemic barriers to employment to find their pathway to possible and discover their best future selves through innovative career training and lifetime support for adults 18+ —including those impacted by the justice system.

STRIVE bridges the skills gap and the opportunity gap, through tailored programs that lead to life-changing careers and economic prosperity. Through partnerships with local employers, funders and community organizations, STRIVE delivers workforce solutions that boost economies and strengthen families for generations.