News Summary
The Go Build Alabama campaign has unveiled a new training page to provide centralized resources for skilled trades education. This platform features a directory of training opportunities such as high school programs, apprenticeships, and certifications, aimed at fostering a skilled workforce in Alabama’s construction industry.
Montgomery, Alabama – The Go Build Alabama campaign has launched an updated training page designed to serve as a centralized resource for individuals seeking skilled trades education in the state. This new platform features a user-friendly directory that outlines an array of training opportunities, encompassing high school career tech programs, apprenticeships, college pathways, and industry-specific certifications.
Go Build Alabama, initiated by the Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute in 2009, aims to supply a steady stream of highly skilled tradespeople for construction businesses while supporting economic development within Alabama and the nation. The updated training page not only offers the most comprehensive and current overview of commercial construction training across the state but also enables users to filter options by trade, region, and program type to find educational paths that align with their personal goals.
A significant feature of the new training page is the highlighting of grant-funded opportunities available through the Alabama Construction Industry Craft Training Board, which offers training at reduced rates. The page currently lists seven organizations in Madison County as active training options, providing potential trainees with diverse opportunities to enter the skilled trades workforce.
Training Opportunities
The North Alabama Craft Training Foundation (NACTF) is one of the highlighted organizations, offering a comprehensive four-year apprenticeship and training program in various trades including electrical, pipefitting, plumbing, and sheet metal. Apprentices within this program gain valuable on-the-job training by working with participating companies, receiving raises upon completing 2,000 hours of training annually. Classes meet 36 times a year, one night per week, allowing apprentices to simultaneously accumulate necessary work experience.
Additionally, NACTF’s commitment extends to local high schools and career tech centers, promoting careers in skilled trades to younger students and addressing the industry’s need for a robust workforce. Partner companies often cover tuition costs for apprentices, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent individuals from entering the trades.
Importance of Skilled Trades
Jason Phelps, the executive director of the Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute, has shared the belief that the updated training platform is pivotal in building Alabama’s workforce to meet the increasing demands of the construction industry. The framework not only prepares individuals for stable careers but also contributes to addressing the broader staffing shortages that have been impacting project schedules, costs, and overall efficiency in the construction sector.
A recent 2024 Workforce Survey revealed that 94% of construction companies in Alabama have job openings for craft workers, while 85% are seeking to fill salaried positions. Despite the availability of competitive wages within the industry, educational systems have come under scrutiny for directing too many high school students toward four-year degrees instead of encouraging exploration into skilled trades. Numerous workforce development initiatives in Alabama are striving to entice talent to the construction field, including summer boot camps and hands-on training programs.
Future of the Training Page
As the Go Build Alabama training page evolves, it is expected to expand regularly to include new programs and opportunities. Organizations involved in the campaign are encouraged to share this resource with potential trainees to widen the reach of skilled trades education in the area.
Educational initiatives such as the Academy of Craft Training, along with the ongoing development of construction-related programs, highlight the state’s commitment to addressing workforce shortages across various trades. Employers are increasingly focusing on innovative hiring practices and ongoing training to secure a talented workforce, ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of the construction sector in Alabama.
The updated Go Build Alabama training page can be accessed at gobuildalabama.com/the-training, offering a vital resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Alabama Workforce Initiative Expands Job Opportunities
Additional Resources
- WSFA News
- Wikipedia: Skilled Trades
- Yellowhammer News
- Google Search: Go Build Alabama
- Huntsville Business Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Apprenticeship
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
