Drake State Opens Leidos Advanced Training Complex for Workforce Development
Drake State Unveils Leidos Advanced Training Complex with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Drake State Community and Technical College celebrated the grand opening of its Leidos Advanced Training Complex today with a ribbon-cutting event that included remarks from College President Dr. Patricia Sims, Leidos CEO Tom Bell, public officials, and local leaders.
The 50,000-square-foot facility, now open on Drake State’s campus, is designed to bolster education and hands-on training in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. It includes high-demand programs such as precision machining and welding, along with designated areas for additive manufacturing, mechatronics, electrical systems, engineering design, and more. The complex also features laboratories, classrooms, and administrative offices, and will serve as the base for Drake State’s newly launched Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) cohort—a workforce development program introduced in 2024.
“This complex is a game-changer for regional workforce development,” said Dr. Sims. “With this cutting-edge facility, we’re enhancing training capacity in fields where demand is growing rapidly, better preparing students for meaningful careers while also supporting industry needs. We’re grateful to Leidos, our state legislators, and the Alabama Community College System for making this vision a reality.”
The Leidos Advanced Training Complex is one of the cornerstone projects under the Alabama Community College System’s ASPIRE 2030 initiative—short for “Achieving Systemwide Potential through Increased Resources and Engagement.” Funding for the facility came from a statewide bond approved by the Alabama Legislature in 2020 to modernize and expand educational infrastructure.
ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker commented on the facility’s long-term impact: “This building will benefit not only Drake State students but the entire North Alabama region. Our mission is to improve lives across the state by ensuring every community has access to the tools and training needed for economic growth. The work being done here will set a standard for excellence in workforce education.”
In November 2024, Leidos contributed $1.75 million to support Drake State’s manufacturing and IT programs, apprenticeship opportunities, technical upgrades, faculty development, and a new scholarship fund. In recognition of this significant gift, the new facility was named the Leidos Advanced Training Complex.
“Huntsville has always been at the forefront of aerospace and defense innovation,” said Leidos CEO Tom Bell. “Our collaboration with Drake State will help develop the next generation of problem-solvers who will tackle national challenges with ingenuity and efficiency.”
Construction began on June 9, 2023. The state-of-the-art building includes 10 labs, seven classrooms, faculty offices, a multipurpose room, tool and equipment storage, a kitchen, break areas, a storm shelter, and a testing suite. Additional features include modern restrooms, digital information displays, and glass observation areas for tours and demonstrations.
The facility aims to provide students with the skills and certifications needed for high-paying, in-demand careers—offered at an affordable cost.
Architectural, civil, and interior design services were provided by Goodwyn Mills Cawood, with Fite Building Company serving as the general contractor.
Click here to know more about the programs now housed in the complex.
Drake State Community and Technical College celebrated the grand opening of its Leidos Advanced Training Complex today with a ribbon-cutting event that included remarks from College President Dr. Patricia Sims, Leidos CEO Tom Bell, public officials, and local leaders.
The 50,000-square-foot facility, now open on Drake State’s campus, is designed to bolster education and hands-on training in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. It includes high-demand programs such as precision machining and welding, along with designated areas for additive manufacturing, mechatronics, electrical systems, engineering design, and more. The complex also features laboratories, classrooms, and administrative offices, and will serve as the base for Drake State’s newly launched Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) cohort—a workforce development program introduced in 2024.
“This complex is a game-changer for regional workforce development,” said Dr. Sims. “With this cutting-edge facility, we’re enhancing training capacity in fields where demand is growing rapidly, better preparing students for meaningful careers while also supporting industry needs. We’re grateful to Leidos, our state legislators, and the Alabama Community College System for making this vision a reality.”
The Leidos Advanced Training Complex is one of the cornerstone projects under the Alabama Community College System’s ASPIRE 2030 initiative—short for “Achieving Systemwide Potential through Increased Resources and Engagement.” Funding for the facility came from a statewide bond approved by the Alabama Legislature in 2020 to modernize and expand educational infrastructure.
ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker commented on the facility’s long-term impact: “This building will benefit not only Drake State students but the entire North Alabama region. Our mission is to improve lives across the state by ensuring every community has access to the tools and training needed for economic growth. The work being done here will set a standard for excellence in workforce education.”
In November 2024, Leidos contributed $1.75 million to support Drake State’s manufacturing and IT programs, apprenticeship opportunities, technical upgrades, faculty development, and a new scholarship fund. In recognition of this significant gift, the new facility was named the Leidos Advanced Training Complex.
“Huntsville has always been at the forefront of aerospace and defense innovation,” said Leidos CEO Tom Bell. “Our collaboration with Drake State will help develop the next generation of problem-solvers who will tackle national challenges with ingenuity and efficiency.”
Construction began on June 9, 2023. The state-of-the-art building includes 10 labs, seven classrooms, faculty offices, a multipurpose room, tool and equipment storage, a kitchen, break areas, a storm shelter, and a testing suite. Additional features include modern restrooms, digital information displays, and glass observation areas for tours and demonstrations.
The facility aims to provide students with the skills and certifications needed for high-paying, in-demand careers—offered at an affordable cost.
Architectural, civil, and interior design services were provided by Goodwyn Mills Cawood, with Fite Building Company serving as the general contractor.
Click here to know more about the programs now housed in the complex.
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