DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — Calhoun Community College cut the ribbon on a big expansion to its Advanced Technology Center on Monday.
The community college said the 57,200 square foot expansion was made possible by the Alabama Community College System’s ASPIRE 2030 initiative, which gives funding for facility upgrades and new construction for all levels of education in Alabama.
Calhoun said the center will provide training facilities for high-demand industries, including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, welding, machine tool technology, engineering design, mechatronics, CDL training and more.
“This expansion is a monumental step for Calhoun and for our region,” Calhoun Pesident Dr. Jimmy Hodges said. “Our students now have access to some of the most advanced training labs and classrooms in the state, which means they can gain the skills and nationally recognized certifications that lead to high-paying, high-demand jobs right here in North Alabama. This facility is not just an investment in a building, it is an investment in people, families, and the economic growth of our communities.”
In addition to expanded classrooms and lab space the facility will also support Calhoun’s four co-op programs including:
- The Aerospace Collaborative Education (ACE) program
- The Alabama F.A.M.E. (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program
- The Alliance for Machining Professionals (AMP)
- The Excellence in Process Industrial Controls (EPIC) program
The expansion was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood and constructed by Bailey Harris Construction.
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