Alabama Skills Training Centers

October 24, 2024 Industry Source 154 Views 0 Comments Technical Education, workforce development

The new Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) Workforce Development Skills Training Center officially opened its doors on October 3, marking a major milestone for the region’s education and economic landscape. Hundreds of community members gathered for the grand opening celebration of the new 55,000-square-foot facility, built to address the area’s workforce training needs. Alabama Skills Training Centers.

NACC President Dr. David Campbell welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude to those involved in the planning, funding, and construction of the $30 million training center. During his remarks, Dr. Campbell highlighted the long-term impact this center will have on workforce development and economic growth across Northeast Alabama.

The event featured an array of notable platform speakers, including Governor Kay Ivey, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Chancellor Jimmy Baker, Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston, Representative Mike Kirkland, ACCS Board of Trustees Chairman Dus Rogers, and NACC Dean of Workforce Development Kerry Wright. The speakers emphasized the importance of equipping students and residents with the skills needed to meet the demands of Alabama’s growing industries.

Dr. Gary Speers opened the ceremony with an invocation, and Kyle, Konner, and Kennon Fortner performed the National Anthem, captivating the audience with their rendition.

The new center, designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood and constructed by Cooper Construction, is equipped with cutting-edge resources to support a variety of workforce development (WFD) and Career Technical programs.

Among the programs that will be housed in the facility are:

Advanced Design & Manufacturing
Building Construction
Industrial Electronics
Industrial Systems Technology
Industrial Maintenance
Machine Tool Technology

Governor Kay Ivey praised the center as a critical addition to the state’s infrastructure for skills training. “Today, we are inaugurating a new, beautiful, 55,000 square foot workforce training center. It is a monumental enhancement of the career and professional development of Northeast Alabama Community College,” said Governor Ivey.

Dr. Campbell stated, “This is a special day here for us at Northeast as we open up this wonderful facility….. It will provide workforce training opportunities that will change lives for the better for people in our area.”

Vital Hub

The NACC Workforce Development Skills Training Center is poised to become a vital hub for education and industry collaboration. It will provide students with hands-on training and the skills required to succeed in technical fields. The facility will play a key role in supporting local businesses and attracting new industries to the region, ultimately contributing to economic growth and job creation.

With the opening of this advanced training center, NACC reinforces its commitment to providing high-quality education and workforce solutions, ensuring that Northeast Alabama continues to be a place of opportunity and progress for all.

The number of residents pursuing academic credit and workforce credentials through Alabama’s community and technical colleges is the highest it has been since 2013, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) reports.

More than 170,000 residents enrolled in academic courses or registered for adult education and workforce training opportunities between August 2023 and July 2024, marking the first time since 2013 in which enrollment had reached those numbers.

Of the 170,000, 122,867 represent the academic headcount in credit-based programs. The remaining number represents those who are pursuing industry-recognized, job-ready workforce credentials that prepare residents for in-demand jobs throughout Alabama.

Enrollment Surge

The surge in enrollment underscores the increasing demand for skilled workers and the value of community colleges as a vital resource for workforce development and economic growth.

“The slogan of the Alabama Community College System is that we make life better, and the challenge to do so successfully is evident in the support of Alabama’s leaders and in the number of Alabama residents achieving their goals through the colleges’ training,” said Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.

“This enrollment achievement reflects the growing recognition of the critical role that community colleges play in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to students from all walks of life.”

The commitment of Alabama’s community and technical colleges to align programs with the needs of local and regional employers ensures graduates are job-ready and equipped with the skills required to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

“This enrollment milestone is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff, the relevance of our programs, and the trust that students and their families place in us. We are proud to contribute to Alabama’s future by educating the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals,” said Olivier Charles, President of Bishop State Community College in Mobile.

The recent enrollment surge is particularly significant in light of ongoing efforts to increase Alabama’s college-going rates and labor force participation. ACCS’s initiatives, including scholarships, flexible learning options, and support services, have played a crucial role in making college more accessible to underserved communities.

Upcoming Initiatives

Upcoming initiatives to continue the enrollment momentum include the expansion of online learning opportunities, partnerships with industry leaders, and the introduction of new programs in high-demand fields such as healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

“Alabama’s future is bright, and our community colleges are at the heart of it,” said Dr. Neil Scott, ACCS Vice Chancellor for Student Success. “As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on our mission to empower students, strengthen communities, and drive economic prosperity across the state.”

Reid State Technical College first-year student Darrian Middleton, who is studying in the college’s industrial electricity program, said he chose the college because he saw it as an opportunity to attend college.

“I took a break from high school and really lost hope on college after being turned down by a university, but when I found Reid State, I found my hope again,” he said. “It’s a two-year program but offers the same quality as a four-year. I believe it’ll get me on a path and allow me to go forward in life instead of staying in the same place.”