The newly built Leidos Advanced Training Complex at Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville, Alabama, is now open to support education and training for the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.
A Strategic Investment in Workforce Development
Drake State announced that the facility’s name honors a $1.75 million gift from Leidos in 2024. The funding supports multiple initiatives, including advanced manufacturing and IT programs, campus upgrades, student apprenticeships, faculty training, and a new scholarship fund. The contribution marks a significant step in bolstering workforce readiness in high-tech fields.
Building a Talent Pipeline
At the ribbon-cutting event, Leidos CEO Tom Bell emphasized the value of the collaboration, noting it will strengthen the development of skilled professionals equipped to tackle complex national challenges. The facility symbolizes a shared commitment to fostering innovation through education and hands-on experience.
State-of-the-Art Training Environment
Spanning 50,000 square feet, the center was funded by a statewide bond initiative launched in 2020 to enhance Alabama’s educational infrastructure. It houses specialized areas for precision machining, welding, additive manufacturing, electrical technology, engineering design, and mechatronics. The space will serve as a key resource for students enrolled in the Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education program, which blends classroom learning with real-world training.
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