Drake State Community and Technical College opens newest training complex
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Drake State Community and Technical College hosted a ribbon-cutting for its new Leidos Advanced Training Complex on Friday.
Several notable community members spoke, like Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims and Leidos CEO Tom Bell, as well as elected officials and community leaders.
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The ribbon cutting marked the opening of the new 50,000-square-foot facility on campus. It will support education and training for fields like aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. It will also house programs like welding and precision machining.
The complex will house the new cohort of Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education students.
'The Leidos Advanced Training Complex represents a transformative investment in workforce education and regional economic growth,' said Dr. Sims. 'This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to expand training opportunities in high-demand industries such as precision machining and welding, preparing our students for the careers of tomorrow while strengthening the talent pipeline for our local and national partners. I want to thank our state elected officials, the Alabama Community College System, and Leidos for supporting this transformative project.'
The complex was marked as a key initiative through the Alabama Community College System's ASPIRE 2030 plan. It was made possible by a statewide bond issue passed by the state legislature in 2020 to assist with facility upgrades and new construction.
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'The facility here will effectively serve Drake State students and North Alabama for a long time,' said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker. 'We are in the business of making life better for everyone. It's our job and mission to make sure every area of this state has the resources needed to provide training and support economic development. The innovation and talent that will be produced at this training complex will be among the best in the state.'
Leidos announced a $1.75 million donation to Drake State in November 2024. The donation went toward the college's advanced manufacturing and IT programs, student apprenticeships, campus technical and infrastructure upgrades, a new scholarship endowment and faculty development opportunities.
They broke ground on the building on June 9, 2023, and it features 10 laboratories, seven classrooms, multiple offices, a multipurpose room, specialized tools and storage areas, to name just a few new features.
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