Wallace State Seeks Industry Partners for 2026 Tools of the Trade Career Showcase

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College invites area businesses and industries to participate in the 2026 Tools of the Trade event on Oct. 27, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the main campus. 

Tools of the Trade is a career showcase for eighth graders from Cullman, Blount cand Winston counties. The students learn about area businesses and industries in the area before entering high school.

“By engaging students at this stage, we can spark curiosity and help them begin thinking about the education and training steps needed for future opportunities,” said Adam West, Career Services Specialist at Wallace State. 

Participating businesses and industries are encouraged to provide interactive activities or demonstrations for the more than 1,500 students, teachers and parents expected to attend.  Additional opportunities for involvement volunteering as guide to help students navigate the event. There is no cost to participate, but sponsorships are welcome. 

Participation is free to vendors, but sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $500 to $10,000. To register as an Industry Partner (vendor), event volunteer or sign up for sponsorship opportunities, visit https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/h5ZCrTGx5Y.

Tools of the Trade is hosted by Wallace State, the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Cullman Economic Development Agency, the Blount County Economic Development Agency and the Cullman County Economic Development Agency.

Businesses or industries interested in participating may contact Adam West at 256.352.7424 or adam.west@wallacestate.edu. 

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.