Grant helps with training program

By Staff
Gov. Bob Riley has awarded a grant for a training program to help unskilled workers in North Alabama take advantage of new job opportunities in the state's growing high-tech manufacturing industries.
The $100,000 grant will enable J.F. Drake Technical College in Huntsville to provide a short-term training program to give 25 participants the skills needed to gain employment as multi-craft technicians at area manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. Participants will be selected from Blount, Cullman, DeKalb, Jackson, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties.
The program will identify participants through industrial recruitment and Alabama One-Stop Career Centers. Once in the program, participants will learn a variety of skills including welding, electrical and wiring, industrial maintenance and blueprint reading.
The program will also include general skills such as basic math, reading and positive work habits. To minimize the commute, training sessions will be available at four area community colleges: Calhoun, J.F. Drake, Northwest Alabama and Snead State.