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Twenty-five students from Athens High School are gaining workforce skills and preparing for high-demand careers in commercial construction through opportunities at the Academy of Craft Training-North Alabama.

A Grand Opening Ceremony was held Thursday, Sept. 28, at the Academy of Craft Training- North Alabama facility in Decatur located on the campus of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. Several dignitaries, including Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama State Department of Education Assistant Superintendent of Career and Technical Education Jimmy Hull, Alabama State Board of Education District 8 Rep. Dr. Wayne Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, Senator Arthur Orr, local school superintendents, principals, career and technical education directors, educators, industry leaders and more, attended the grand opening event.

The Academy of Craft Training is a public/private partnership between the commercial construction industry and Alabama K-12 Career and Technical Education. Seniors and juniors from Athens High School and other area schools will have the opportunity to participate in the program where they will gain hands-on experiences in electrical, HVAC, welding and building construction.

According to Athens City Schools, students will also have intern opportunities with local construction companies, earn a NCCER Career Readiness credential and receive job offers upon graduation.

“We are grateful to the Academy of Craft Training-North Alabama, Alabama Career and Technical Education, and industry partners for providing this wonderful opportunity to prepare our students for future successes,” said Athens City Schools Superintendent Beth Patton.