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June 24, 2005

U.S. Department of Labor Awards $3.5 M Grant State;
Calhoun Community College to Lead Development of
Center for Manufacturing Innovation

Decatur, AL -- U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced the awarding of a two-year, $3.5 million grant to the state of Alabama and Calhoun Community College for the establishment of a regional Center for Manufacturing Innovation (CMI) to be located at Calhoun’s Decatur campus. According to Chao, funding for the project comes through the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, a strategic effort to prepare workers to take advantage of new and increasing job opportunities in high growth, high demand and economically vital sectors of the American economy. The grant is the first of its kind awarded to the state of Alabama.

The CMI will provide training in advanced manufacturing processes through modularized curriculum structures and flexible delivery options such as web-based, industry based, open labs, self-directed, apprenticeships and internships allowing students multiple entry and exit points in the program. Based on data provided by local and state sources, the CMI will focus on training in Industrial Maintenance and Machine Tool Technology in its initial phase. As the lead institution, Calhoun will partner with the state of Alabama, the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, the Alabama Manufacturing Association, the Alabama Technology Network (ATN), Drake State Technical College, Snead State Community College, Northeast Community College and area Chambers of Commerce and local industry in the development of the CMI.

“This partnership between the state of Alabama, Calhoun Community College, the Alabama Manufacturing Association, the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and others involved in this unique project is indicative of our commitment to workforce training for the citizens of Alabama, and I provide my unwavering support for the initiative,” said Alabama Governor Bob Riley.

The need for the CMI is demonstrated through various sources. A March 2005 survey of north Alabama manufacturers conducted by Manufacture Alabama! projected that over the next 2 to 5 years, close to 3200 manufacturing jobs will be open. Ed Castile, director of The Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) further stated that the need for multi-craft industrial maintenance technicians is at a “crisis point in the state of Alabama,” projecting the need to be over 169 jobs over the next 18 months and 120+ jobs per year over the next four years.

“This Center for Manufacturing Innovation will transform technical education within the state’s community college system through short-term, intensive, industry-focused skills training and will provide the opportunity for workers in this state to gain employability skills to enter or re-enter the workforce quickly,” said Dr. Roy Johnson, chancellor of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education.

Plans are for the project to begin immediately with a pilot group of 30 students. The group will test the curriculum modules and provide feedback as they progress through the program and will be followed upon completion of their training to determine any need for changes in the curriculum.

“Never before has Alabama experienced such synergy between education, industry and economic development towards a common goal,” commented Calhoun President Marilyn Beck. “The resources and support provided by the Department of Labor will ensure an efficient implementation of the CMI project that will benefit the entire state of Alabama,” Beck added.

For more information on the CMI initiative, contact Debi Garrison at 256/306-2559 or visit the Calhoun Community College website.

Coverage of this release:

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Janet Kincherlow-Martin
Director of Public Relations
(256) 306-2561

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