Innovation Unplugged

In Episode 82, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton share how the ACCS Innovation Center’s Career Readiness division is transforming career education across Alabama. What began as a small pilot has grown to reach 124 of Alabama’s 143 school systems, where students can now use Skills for Success courses for career exploration and as a way to earn their Career Readiness Indicators (CRIs).This epis...

In Episode 81, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton sit down with Ryan Ales to share his inspiring story of career transformation through taking the Skills for Success Fiber Optics Technician and Installer course with Coastal Alabama Community College. After years in the restaurant industry with long hours and little stability, Ryan decided it was time for change. After completing the course, he...

In Episode 80, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton talk with John Joseph, Executive Director of the E Center in Decatur, Alabama, about how entrepreneurship and workforce development work together to create opportunity. John shares how the E Center helps business owners turn ideas into reality through coaching, networking, and access to investors. He also highlights the importance of humility,...

In Episode 79, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton talk with Senior Pastor Brad Sheets of Life Church in Hartselle, Alabama, about the power of faith, mentorship, and community. Brad shares how Life Church began and how the new Life Center is providing practical support like GED classes, financial education, and parenting resources to help families grow stronger. At its core, this episode is ab...

In Episode 88, host Houston Blackwood takes listeners inside Bishop State Community College’s CDL training program to hear the stories of the instructors, students, and leaders driving its success. Hear from instructors and graduates who share how hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experience are shaping the next generation of professional drivers. From overcoming challenges to growing...

In Episode 77, host Houston Blackwood welcomes Jason Blackwell, a seasoned educator and trades expert whose journey began when he became a locksmith at just 12 years old. From welding and carpentry to launching his own initiative, Activate CTE, Jason has dedicated his career to helping students connect their passions to meaningful career pathways. Jason shares how project-based, hands-on learning...

In Episode 76, host Houston Blackwood is joined by Alex Blevins, owner of One Stop CDL Training, and Lieutenant Jason Harris of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit to dive into the future of driver training and highway safety in Alabama. Together, they explore how CDL training has expanded from 13 to 23 colleges, cutting course time in half while keeping pass rates high....

In Episode 75, host Houston Blackwood talks with Alex Blevins about his 20-year journey in the transportation industry, from serving in the military to launching his own CDL training company, One Stop CDL Training. Alex shares how his background shaped his passion for navigation, communication, and professionalism in trucking. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of students whose lives were changed...

In Episode 74, host Houston Blackwood talks with Meredith Smith, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeships, about the impact of apprenticeship programs across the state. Meredith shares her journey from the classroom to workforce leadership and highlights the growth of groundbreaking apprenticeship programs. With a 90% retention rate, these programs show how employer investment and mentors...

In Episode 73, hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozier sit down with Rashaun Walker, who turned a chance opportunity into a new career path. Rashaun shares how taking a Skills for Success Electrical Helper course at Wallace Community College—something he originally thought would be his last choice—led to a job fair and a new role in carpentry. He reflects on honoring his father’s legacy, the imp...

In Episode 72, we explore what happens when community, industry, and education come together to build something real? On this episode of Innovation Unplugged, host Houston Blackwood sits down with Joe Johnson of Wallace Community College to talk about the Residential Construction Academy—a program that’s not just building houses, but building futures. From the origins of the academy to powerful st...

In Episode 71, hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozier sit down with Melody Whitten, Chief Economic Development Officer for the Alabama Community College System, for a deep dive into the connection between workforce training and economic growth. Melody shares how her role is designed to bridge the gap between Alabama’s community colleges and industry needs. She highlights how collaboration with...

In Episode 70, hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozier talk with Trinity Howard, a Trenholm State Community College student who faced challenges on his path to earning a CDL but never gave up. With encouragement from his family and the dedicated support of Trenholm’s instructors, Trinity pushed through a demanding schedule, built his confidence, and ultimately earned his Class A CDL.From perseve...

In Episode 69, Career Readiness team members Matt Heaton and Tom Chappell take the host seat to chat with Jackson Baker, a senior at Hillcrest High School and Alabama’s first-ever SkillsUSA Heavy Equipment Operation State Champion. Jackson shares how he was introduced to heavy equipment, how he prepared for competition in just two weeks, and what it was like to win the state title and compete on t...

In Episode 68, hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozier talk with David Walters, Vice Chancellor of Adult Education and Correctional Education for the Alabama Community College System to discuss the vital role of adult education in Alabama’s workforce development. David shares how programs like the GED, High School Diploma Option Program, and digital literacy certifications are creating new oppor...

In Episode 67, hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozier have a conversation with Donny Jones, Chief Workforce Officer at the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of West Alabama Works for a powerful conversation on collaboration, innovation, and breaking down barriers in workforce development. From expanding apprenticeship opportunities to helping justice-impacted individuals r...

In Episode 66, hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozier sit down with Dr. Brett Johnson, Executive Director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority, for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, local impact, economic development, and building trust. Dr. Johnson shares his journey from being a first-generation college student to leading efforts that drive business growth and community...

In Episode 65, hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozier sit down with Chris Champion, County Engineer and Chief Operations Officer for Henry County, to discuss Alabama’s critical need for skilled motor grader operators and how training through Skills for Success can help fill the gap. With over 30 years of experience, Chris shares insights into the complexity of motor grader work, the patience it...

In Episode 64, hosts Kailah Dozier and Houston Blackwood sit down with the ACCS Innovation Center’s Workforce Coordinators, Fodina Henderson, Darlisha Davis, and Latrenda Nicholson for a candid conversation about the heart behind their work. From delivering equipment to helping students access training, the coordinators share what it means to build trust, stay adaptable, and support their communit...

In Episode 63, host Matt Heaton sits down with Tom Chappell, Career Readiness Coordinator at the ACCS Innovation Center. Tom shares his unique journey from parks and recreation to becoming a pivotal part of Alabama’s workforce development efforts through Skillsfor Success. He reflects on the behind-the-scenes work of onboarding instructors, building program consistency, and the student success sto...

In Episode 62, Houston Blackwood is joined by Jesse Gibson, Program Director at Crestwood Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, for a conversation about how the Skills for Success Nurse Support Technician (NST) course is creating new entry points into the medical field. The course is designed to train individuals to assist nurses and healthcare teams in acute care settings and provide front-line p...

In Episode 61, host Houston Blackwood sits down with Frank Catlett of All Star Plumbing for a conversation about career growth, mentorship, and the real-world value of vocational training. Frank shares his journey to becoming a master plumber, now leading teams within a company that employs teams of people. They explore the apprenticeship process, the importance of learning every phase of plumbing...

Skilled Start: High School Students Launching Careers in Heavy EquipmentIn Episode 60, hosts Brandi Merrill and Houston Blackwood are joined by Huntsville City School students and Career Coach Carolyn Wade to discuss how, after completing Skills for Success heavy equipment courses through Calhoun Community College, the students were hired and are now earning up to $25 an hour—all before graduating...

In Episode 59, host Houston Blackwood is joined by Colby Thompson of Thompson Contractors and Kory Boling, Executive Director of the Alabama Home Builders Foundation, to discuss workforce challenges and career opportunities in Alabama’s construction trades. From the need for skilled workers to the value of hands-on training, the conversation explores how Skills for Success, Alabama’s community col...

In Episode 58, hosts Tom Chappell and Sharon Alley sit down with Russell Wood, Executive Director of the Alabama Nursery Landscape Association, to discuss Alabama’s workforce challenges in the nursery and landscape industry and how the Skills for Success Nursery Landscape Worker course can help. With a growing demand for skilled workers, this course was designed to equip students with critical ski...