Northeast Alabama Community College’s new workforce development center, which is still in the planning phase, will focus on advanced manufacturing programs, according to the college. The facility will be on the main campus in Rainsville.
The programs planned to be housed in the center are advanced design and manufacturing; machine tool technology including CNC machining and a tool and die program; industrial systems programs including multi-skill maintenance, mechatronics and electronics and instrumentation; and building construction technology that includes HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry and masonry programs.
In addition to these programs, the center also will house a flex lab that can be used for industry training, STEM outreach programs targeted to recruit middle and high school students and post-secondary programs.
Earlier this month, the school received $1 million from the Alabama Legislature towards the construction. Construction costs of the center are estimated to be around $25 million. Bids are expected to go out within the next few months.
Funding for this and other workforce development centers throughout the Alabama Community College System are coming from a state bond issue.
