Overview
In a formal Workforce Development Partnership, Gadsden’s educators, elected officials and business leaders have together created an educational and training structure that works seamlessly to provide you with educated, skilled, technically sophisticated employees, both initially and over the long term.
Preparation for technical education and training, or for entry-level careers in industry, begins in secondary schools here. Our public schools were the first in the state to offer a Tech Prep diploma curriculum; students learn CNC programming and machining on actual equipment, not on table models. Career coaches in our schools acquaint students with job opportunities in advanced manufacturing technology, as well as employer expectations and education and skill requirements.
Registered apprenticeship programs for mold makers, machinists, and tool and die makers are offered in partnership with local companies.
Gadsden State Community College offers a Focused Industry Training Program leading to a Certified Worker status, as well as Certificate and Associate Degree programs in more than 80 academic, vocational and technical fields. Local centers of Jacksonville State University, the University of Alabama and Huntington College provide opportunities to earn Bachelor's and graduate degrees.
The Alabama Technology Network center in Gadsden, located on Gadsden State’s campus, will design and conduct training programs to meet your particular needs, and provides applied engineering assistance to local industries. It is the Southeast regional center of the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, and was named one of the top advanced manufacturing technology centers in the nation.
The Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute, often cited as the best state training program in the U.S., will conduct a pre-hire training program meeting your specific needs, free of charge, to ensure that you have the skilled workforce you require when you need it. AIDT is the only state training program to attain ISO 9000 registration. The Gadsden Career Center works with AIDT to screen qualified applicants for you.
ATN’s Gadsden center works closely with AIDT in this whole process. They want to be long-term partners to help with your on-the-job training and related needs, after the state’s program to facilitate your new plant start-up or expansion is completed.
Chapters of the National Tooling & Machining Association and the American Society for Quality offer continuing education and networking opportunities.
