United States Navy invests $30 million in Alabama Community College System

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The U.S. Navy has invested $30 million in the Alabama Community College System to expand training and fill positions as the service works to build more ships.

For several years, the Navy has partnered with community colleges throughout the state for workforce training in shipbuilding and manufacturing.

“In the Mobile region the average need for employees in the maritime industry is about 7,300 people. That’s double the national average which is about 3,300 people,” said Olivier Charles, Bishop State Community College president.

Four community colleges will split the money: Bishop State, Coastal Alabama, Reid State and Lurleen B Wallace. Bishop State will receive just over $4 million to build the Gulf Coast Maritime Institute.

“At that institute we’ll be able to train pipe fitters, ship fitters, welders and marine electricians,” Charles said.

“We are here to train maritime experts. Every measurement of every machined part. Every wiring system is critical, and it is that manufacturing, that expertise that protects those brave men and women as they serve us,” said Lindsey Cline, U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base.

Students said the announcement is a game changer.

“Today is important because welding is already a strong foundation but now with pipe fitting and ship fitting being added that foundation just got a whole lot bigger for me. At Reid State these new opportunities mean we’re not just learning one trade. We’re building multiple pathways,” said Jacoria Nettles, Reid State student.

The investment is designed to keep up with the Navy’s growing demand. By 2028 the Navy is planning on producing one Columbia class submarine and two Virginia class submarines a year.

“When you look at what’s happening with maritime and the Department of War’s focus with building ships and submarines it’s going to be a great opportunity for Alabama to be at the forefront of these programs. There’s going to be thousands of jobs for Alabamians. High paying jobs,” said Greg Reed, secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce.

“We produce aircraft, we produce shipped produce so much along the gulf coast so I think this is another sign of validation for that and trust in the workforce here locally and what this region can be and what it means for the national safety of this country,” said Congressman Shomari Figures.