MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $280,000 grant to equip Alabamians with the skills needed to gain employment in the state’s growing economy.
The funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help Jefferson State Community College construct a 5,026-square-foot facility at its Shelby-Hoover campus and expand its welding technology program. The expansion will help meet the growing demand for welders throughout Alabama, particularly in the state’s growing automobile manufacturing industry.
“Alabama’s robust economy is calling for skilled workers, particularly in the welding profession,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am thankful that Jefferson State Community College is helping us meet our workforce demand, and I am particularly grateful to the Appalachian Regional Commission for being a strong partner in helping Alabama to grow and prosper.”
The new facility will house a welding shop, lab and classroom. The upgraded program is expected to train students from Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Chilton counties.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.
“ADECA shares Gov. Ivey’s vision of helping Alabama produce a capable workforce to meet the demands in our state’s growing economy,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Gov. Ivey is also keenly aware that for anything to be successful you need willing partners, and Jefferson State Community College and the Appalachian Regional Commission both meet that criteria.”
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments. 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. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Shelby County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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Contact Jim Plott or Mike Presley