FORT PAYNE — Local and state officials joined Fort Payne City Schools to break ground on the school system’s new BEAT (Building, Electric, and Aviation Technology) Center.
The BEAT Center will offer vocational training for students interested in construction, electric vehicles and aviation technology.
The construction of the new BEAT Center is supported by a $1 million Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant, as well as local matching funds. Gov. Kay Ivey (R-AL), as state partner to ARC, supported the school system’s grant application.
Ivey outlined the state’s efforts to meet the needs of in-demand career fields and touted the impact the BEAT Center will have on Alabama’s future workforce.
“During the past five years we’ve created some 44,000 jobs, we’ve seen nearly $19 billion invested in new capital and the BEAT Center is simply going to support all those efforts through vocational training,” said Ivey. “The pandemic has highlighted what we already knew – construction, electric vehicle, and aviation technology are booming fields. I’m pleased to know we are giving hands-on exposure to our students to have the opportunity to select one of these career pathways for themselves.”
“Here in 2020, Alabama saw projects at over $4 billion in the automotive, aerospace, forest products sectors among others,” she added. “These key areas, and the students trained here in Fort Payne, will be critical to ensure our state remains on the upward trajectory for the years ahead. As a former educator, nothing is more exciting than the continued investment in our next generation and ensuring they’re prepared to step up when it’s their turn to lead.”
.@GovernorKayIvey says Fort Payne City Schools’ commitment to vocational training is “critical” to ensure Alabama continues to maintain its “upward trajectory” for years to come. pic.twitter.com/6X5ZTTwRlr
— Dylan Smith (@DylanSmithAL) September 27, 2021
State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey hailed state and local leadership for their commitment to providing workforce training opportunities to Alabama students.
“It’s about getting more students engaged and through school and into pathways where they can have great-paying jobs and stay here in Alabama,” said Mackey, going on to thank Ivey and local officials for placing priority in workforce development. “Thank you for setting the vision for us for a high tech, STEM-based future economy. These are the students that are going to fill those jobs and make sure we take Alabama into the next decade moving further ahead.”
House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senator Steve Livingston praise the leadership of local leaders in ensuring the project came to fruition. pic.twitter.com/WehRW7iXjV
— Dylan Smith (@DylanSmithAL) September 27, 2021
State Sen. Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) and House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) praised the BEAT Center and the efforts local leadership partook in to ensure the project came to fruition.
“We all know the importance of workforce development and career readiness,” said Livingston. “I applaud Fort Payne City Schools for the strides you’ve taken in career tech. Fort Payne City Schools continues to be on the edge of this technology and education transit and you can see by what surrounds us here today.”
“I truly believe this is a game-changer for our area,” said Ledbetter. “You know, too many times today we think if you’re going to get an education you need to have a doctorate degree or four-year degree. In DeKalb County, I think a certified electrician and a certified plumber can make more money than a lawyer. Seeing Fort Payne step up and take the lead in creating job training that’s going to be important to our future is great.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
