Workforce Development

Investing in Alabama’s Workforce

The University of North Alabama is producing positive workforce outcomes for emerging and growing leaders in industry. As Alabama’s oldest public four-year university, UNA is committed to investing in municipalities, businesses, organizations, and surrounding communities by helping them increase their capacity to support employees and serve the global community.

Through UNA workforce partnerships, employees can access flexible educational opportunities designed to help them advance their careers without putting their work on hold. For employers, a partnership with UNA can strengthen professional development, support recruiting and retention, and add meaningful value to an organization’s employee benefits package.

How UNA Supports Workforce Partners

Strengthen

UNA offers tuition assistance to partner employees interested in one of UNA’s accredited majors, minors, certificates, and graduate programs. With flexible on-campus and online program options, employees can continue their education while staying engaged in their careers.

Recruit

Workforce partners gain access to internal recruiting opportunities, including campus career fairs, internship and job promotion opportunities, and student hiring software. UNA Career Services provides resources to help employers connect with strong candidates.

Retain

Partnering with UNA adds value to an organization’s employee benefits package. Supporting employee education can help organizations train and retain the right employees while investing in long-term workforce success.

Engage

When organizations join UNA as workforce partners, they become connected with a broader network of organizations seeking collaborative and innovative opportunities. Partnership with UNA can help expand expertise, strengthen brand visibility, and support communities across the state.

Learn More About Workforce Training and Collaboration

Online Degrees

UNA offers flexible online programs built for working professionals who want to invest in their education while continuing to grow in their careers.

University Partnerships

UNA partners with businesses and organizations to provide employees with opportunities to advance their education, strengthen their professional skills, and bring added value to their workplace.

Micro-Credentials

Micro-credentials can be earned in as little as one semester and provide employees with high-demand skills for a 21st-century workforce.

University Partnerships

UNA is proud to partner with businesses, health systems, school districts, municipalities, professional associations, and other organizations to offer employees opportunities for educational enhancement and career advancement.

For employers, partnership with UNA can provide:

• Tuition scholarships
• Application fee waivers
• Access to UNA career fairs and graduate recruiting tools
• Access to campus events and career fairs
• Connections to UNA faculty, staff, and student resources
• Enhanced involvement and relationship with the UNA community
• Networking opportunities
• Added value to a current benefits package
• No-cost commitment
• Other benefits customized to an organization’s needs

Employee Benefits

Employees of UNA partner organizations may be eligible for a tuition scholarship and other benefits that help reduce barriers to advancing their education as working students.

Eligibility requirements for employees are set by the employer or University Partner. Partner employees must provide employment verification and meet the admissions standards for the program to which they apply.

Create a Workforce Partnership

Employers interested in partnering with the University of North Alabama can work with UNA to design a plan that supports their workforce goals.

A partnership can help organizations train their workforce, recruit and retain talented employees, connect with UNA resources, and provide employees with more accessible and affordable educational opportunities.

[Request Partnership Information]

Student Story

“I was born and raised in the Shoals and have always loved UNA and what it brings to our community. I began the MBA program this year and hope to finish in four years. I love the flexibility that an online program provides. I work a full-time job, and I am a mother of two small children. Without the ability to work at my own pace and my own time, it would be impossible for me to pursue this dream. I hope that earning my MBA will make me a more well-rounded professional and leader, and I cannot wait to be an alum of UNA.”

—Caitlin Holland
Enrolled in UNA’s Master of Business Administration

Contact Information

University Partnerships
256-765-4861
partners@una.edu