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.
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.”
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.
Courtesy of Mountain Valley News.
