HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Drake State Community and Technical College held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday to celebrate the start of construction on their new Advanced Manufacturing Center.
Senior Vice Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System Susan Price said there is no doubt that this center will be a model for streamlined and innovative workforce training. "In about 15 months, students here in Huntsville will walk through the doors of a $30 million and approximately 50,000 square foot facility that will set them up for a level of success that can change the trajectory of future generations."
The center will also include an additive manufacturing lab. "Programs offered offered in the center will include machine tool, industrial systems and technology, engineering design and mechatronics, which are among the most in-demand career pathways needed in North Alabama. And possibly, more importantly, flex lab space for business and industry that can be adjusted based on immediate needs."
Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims said,"... if you look around the city, this new facility is significant because Huntsville is experiencing tremendous growth, the workforce is expanding, and the needs are increasing. So that's our goal. it's our goal, we're training for the workforce, preparing students for their future, and this is, this facility will allow us to do that."
So when can students and faculty expect this training center to open? "We are hope that this will be an 18 to 24 month process," Dr. Sims added. All in all, Dr. Sims believes Drake is not just in the community, but also a part of the community, "and so we need more spaces on our campus that allow us to engage community, to better expose, especially young people to the programs and the trainings that we have. and so this facility will allow us to do all of those things."