"Every American, within the boundaries of his or her capabilities, should have the chance to work at a job of his or her own choosing. This economic well being is indispensable to the freedom and dignity of each individual."

The Alabama State Board of Education created the Skills Centers by resolution in 1978 to provide a comprehensive system of training and training related services to a selected target population. The Alabama Skills Centers can trace their origin back to 1962 with the implementation of the Manpower Development and Training Act.  In 2001 the  Skills Centers became the  Alabama Skills Training Consortia.  The Consortia are  within the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and are funded through the federal  Workforce Investment Act (WIA) legislation via contract  with the Workforce Development Division of Alabama's Department of Economic and Community Affairs. The principal officers of the organization are the elected members of the State Board of Education, the Chancellor of Post Secondary Education and the Consortium Board of Directors. The Consortium Board is made up of the presidents of the community colleges. 

Personnel from CareerLinks are anxious to assist job seekers and employers with appropriate employment and training needs.