Drake State Community and Technical College, in Huntsville, has opened its new Leidos Advanced Training Complex, a 50,000-square-foot facility that will train students for aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.
The complex houses training programs, including for precision machining and welding, as well as dedicated space for additive manufacturing, mechatronics, electrical technology, engineering design and 10 labs. It will also serve as home to the Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) students. The facility also houses a storm shelter, a kitchen and serving areas and a breakroom, as well as glass viewing areas for prospective students and industry partners.
“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,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State.
The initiative was made possible by a statewide bond issue passed by the Alabama Legislature in 2020 to support facility upgrades and new construction across Alabama’s education system. In addition, Leidos donated $1.75 million to Drake State to help fund advanced manufacturing and IT programs, a new scholarship endowment and faculty development opportunities.
Leidos CEO Tom Bell said, “Huntsville has been a cornerstone of aerospace and defense talent since the industry’s earliest days. This partnership with Drake State will grow the pipeline of talented people who will solve our nation’s most vexing challenges in smarter and more efficient ways.”
Construction on the facility was started in June 2023 and was built by Fite Building Co. Goodwyn Mills Cawood provided architectural, interior design, civil engineering and landscape architect services.
