FAQs

What is the ACCS Innovation Center? +

The ACCS Innovation Center is part of the Alabama Community College System. We work with Alabama businesses and industries to design and customize rapid, industry-recognized training courses through Skills for Success. These courses are delivered through local community colleges, giving Alabamians the opportunity to gain skills for high-demand jobs right in their own communities.

What is the Skills for Success program, and how does it work? +

Skills for Success offers no-cost, rapid training courses that combine online learning with hands-on lab training at Alabama’s community colleges. Once you complete a course, you’ll earn a certificate that shows employers you’re job ready.

Who can benefit from Skills for Success training? +

Anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Alabama and wants to start a new career, learn a new skill, or build job-ready skills can benefit. Participants who complete a course earn a credential and receive a certificate from their local community college. We welcome high school students, adults, and career changers of all ages.

Are Skills for Success courses really free? +

Yes! All Skills for Success courses are funded through legislation, so there is no cost to you.

What does “hybrid” mean? +

“Hybrid” means you’ll complete online lessons first and then attend an in-person lab at your local community college to practice skills hands-on.

Where can I find my college’s contact information? +

You can find your community college’s contact located on the bottom of the calendar page at https://innovation.accs.edu/calendar/

How long do Skills for Success courses take to complete? +

Most courses can be completed in a matter of weeks. The online portion is self-paced, and the lab training typically lasts one to three days.

How long does it take to earn a certificate? +

You’ll earn a credential and receive a certificate of completion once you finish both the online and lab portions of your course.

Do students have to finish online theory before the lab? +

Yes. You must complete the online portion before attending the hands-on lab. Colleges generally recommend completing the online work at least 72 hours before the lab so you’re fully prepared. Check with your local community college for specific deadlines and requirements.

I finished the online theory but couldn’t attend the lab—what should I do? +

You’ll need to contact your local community college to be rescheduled for the next available lab. You can find your college’s Workforce Contact here—scroll to the bottom for the full list.

When is the next lab scheduled? +

Lab schedules vary by college. Once you complete the online portion, your college will provide lab dates and details.

How do I find more information on the Skills for Success courses? +

Visit trainforalabama.com to browse available courses and submit a Student Interest Form. After you submit the form, someone from your local community college will contact you—most likely by email—to share more information and walk you through the next steps. Be sure to check your inbox and spam/trash folders so you don’t miss their message.

Do I have to contact the community college directly to start? +

No. Start by submitting your interest form online.

Do I need any prerequisites before I can start? +

Most courses have no prerequisites. Some age requirements apply—transportation courses like CDL or Forklift Operator require students to be at least 18.

Can I take more than one course? +

Yes! For open enrollment, you can take multiple Skills for Success courses. There are a few exceptions—for example, high school students are limited to one course per semester.

Am I too old to take your classes? +

Not at all. There is no upper age limit—students of all ages, from teens to retirees, have completed Skills for Success courses.

Which Skills for Success courses are available in my area? +

Courses are offered through Alabama’s community colleges. To see all available Skills for Success courses, visit our Training Courses page. Once you find a course you’re interested in, complete the Student Interest Form. After submitting the form, someone from your local community college will contact you with next steps.

What jobs can this course lead to? +

Each course is designed to prepare you for high-demand, entry-level jobs in that field. Examples include roles in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and more.

Are Skills for Success courses stackable or eligible for college credit? +

Check with your local community college to learn how a Skills for Success course may articulate into a credit-bearing career pathway. You can find the Workforce Contact for your college at this link—just scroll to the bottom to locate the contact for the college closest to you.

How do I register for a course? +

Start by completing the Student Interest Form. After you submit the form, someone from your local community college will contact you with the next steps and details on the registration process. You’ll receive a registration link from your instructor or college. If it’s your first time taking a Skills for Success course, click New Account in Elevate and complete the required information. Be sure to click Submit at the very end to finalize your registration.

I get an error when trying to create a new account that says “this username is already in use.” What should I do? +

Stop and do not try to create another account. Instead, contact someone from the registrar team so they can troubleshoot and resolve the issue for you.

I am getting an error when trying to upload the required documents for registration. What should I do? +

Make sure you have included a description with your upload. The following file formats are accepted: jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, gif, pdf. If you still receive an error, try reducing the file size before uploading again.

I am getting an error that says “Upload Blocked” when trying to upload the required documents for registration. What should I do? +

Please contact [email protected], and she will provide you with instructions on how to resolve this error.

What if I don’t have a Social Security Number—can I still register? +

A Social Security Number is required. If you have never been issued a Social Security Number, your parent or guardian can request a state-issued alternate number.

How will I know my registration is complete? +

Your registration is complete only after you click the “Enroll and Pay” or “Submit” button at the end (even though the course is free). You will then receive a confirmation email from [email protected]. If you don’t get it, do not register again—log in as a returning student to finish your registration.

When and how will I access the online course? +

Once your registration has been processed, you will receive an email from [email protected] with the subject line “Activate Your Alabama.edu Account.” You should receive this email within 48 hours (please allow extra time for weekends and holidays). After you activate your Alabama.edu account, you’ll be able to log in to OneCanvas to access your course.

How do I claim my alabama.edu account? +

Click the link in the email from [email protected] and follow the steps to set up your Alabama.edu account. The email will provide the information you need to create your account. Be sure to create a unique password that you will remember.

What should I do if I’ve already taken a Skills for Success course? +

Don’t create a new account. Scroll down to “Returning Student” on the registration page and log in. If you don’t remember your credentials, contact the Registrar Team.

Who do I contact if I need help with registration? +

Our Registrar Team can assist:

Can I use the Canvas app to complete the coursework? +

No. You cannot complete your coursework in the Canvas app. The app does not support all course features, so you must use a web browser instead. For the best experience, use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. You can use your phone but be sure it is turned sideways so you can see all the options and controls.

I can’t log in to Canvas / it says my course is locked. What should I do? +

Make sure you are logging in with your Alabama.edu account and the unique password you created. If you haven’t claimed your account yet, you’ll need to do so before you can access your course. If you’re still unable to log in, contact your local community college’s registrar team or Workforce Coordinator for help. You can access Canvas here: https://alabama.instructure.com.

I can’t move on to the next module in Canvas. What should I do? +

Make sure you’ve completed all required activities in the current module. You must watch all videos at regular speed and click on all items as instructed—otherwise, the next module will not unlock. If the issue continues, reach out to your college representative or Workforce Coordinator for assistance.

How do I reset my Canvas password? +

Since the new Alabama.edu Canvas uses a centralized account for all students, you must update your password by logging in at https://password.alabama.edu. If you are unable to log in, you can recover your password by following the instructions at https://accounthelp.alabama.edu/forgot-my-password-help. Note: The password reset process is instant with no delays.