Apolitical announced this week that it selected the Alabama Office of Education and Workforce Statistics as the state’s featured winner in 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs, a national recognition program highlighting innovative public sector solutions. The selection recognizes Nathaniel Rankin, director of the Office of Education and Workforce Statistics, for creating and implementing the Alabama Talent Triad.
Apolitical presents the 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs award in collaboration with the National Academy of Public Administration and Humans of Public Service. The program highlights one public service innovation from each state, as well as Washington, District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico.
Facing worker shortages and fragmented credentials, Rankin and his team launched the Alabama Talent Triad, a first-of-its-kind statewide platform that connects employers and job seekers through a shared skills-based framework. The platform gives employers clearer insight into workforce skills and helps Alabamians translate education and training into employment opportunities.
“Nathaniel Rankin and the Office of Education and Workforce Statistics exemplify the kind of leadership Alabama needs to meet today’s workforce challenges,” said Greg Reed, secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce. “The Alabama Talent Triad strengthens our ability to connect people who are ready to work with employers who need skilled, capable talent. This work supports our broader goal of building a workforce system that is responsive, data-informed and focused on creating real opportunities for both workers and businesses across Alabama.”
The Alabama Talent Triad integrates credential data, workforce information and employer needs into a single system. By helping individuals understand how their skills align with in-demand jobs, the platform supports more efficient hiring, reduces barriers to employment and strengthens the state’s workforce pipeline. Since its launch, other states have looked to the Talent Triad as a model for modernizing workforce data systems and improving job-matching outcomes.
“The Alabama Talent Triad reflects what is possible when data, collaboration and workforce strategy are aligned,” Rankin said. “This work creates clarity for employers, opportunity for workers and a system that supports informed job placement decisions across our state.”
Selection for 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs positions Alabama as a national leader in workforce innovation. Apolitical will feature the Alabama Talent Triad as a case study for public agencies seeking to improve workforce alignment, talent mobility and data-driven decision-making.
Apolitical will highlight the recognition during a national virtual event in February, where public servants and policy leaders will share best practices and scalable workforce development solutions.
