MONTGOMERY— Students enrolled in advanced career training programs in Haleyville will have access to new, state-of-the-art training equipment thanks to a $36,936 grant announced by Gov. Robert Bentley.
The Appalachian Regional Commission grant will help the Haleyville school system purchase a new alignment machine and plasma cutter for the automotive technology, welding and manufacturing programs at the Haleyville Center for Technology. All three programs help students learn the skills needed to qualify for high-demand jobs in the automotive and other manufacturing industries.
“The skills and knowledge learned in high school serve as a strong foundation for future success in college and in a career,” Bentley said. “With the addition of this new equipment, the Haleyville Center for Technology will help more students learn essential skills needed to succeed in future jobs.”
School system officials say the current alignment machine and plasma cutter are out of date and use obsolete technology. The new equipment will ensure that students gain practical experience with equipment similar to what they will use on a job.
The ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties, including 37 in Alabama, across the Appalachian Region. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs manages the ARC program in Alabama and is administering the grant. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
“Having a workforce that is career ready is important for the long term success of Alabama’s economy,” ADECA Director Jim Byard, Jr. said. “I am pleased that ADECA’s partnership with the ARC will help more students in Haleyville begin learning the technical skills needed by employers in the automotive and manufacturing industries Those skills will help translate into jobs for Haleyville students.”
Bentley notified Dr. Alan Miller, superintendent of Haleyville schools, that the grant had been approved. The school system will contribute matching funds of $9,234 toward the new equipment.
Contact: Mike Presley or Jennifer Ardis