Drake State Community and Technical College has earned accreditation from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, a nationally recognized organization that sets industry standards for manufacturing education.
The 2025 accreditation positions Drake State to help meet the growing demand for skilled manufacturing workers in North Alabama and beyond, while affirming the college’s commitment to high-quality workforce training in advanced manufacturing.
NIMS accreditation is awarded to institutions that meet rigorous national benchmarks for instruction, curriculum, equipment, safety and student assessment. Programs that receive the designation are validated by manufacturing employers across the country, signaling that graduates are trained to industry expectations.
“This accreditation is a significant milestone for Drake State and reflects our ongoing mission to prepare students for high-demand, high-skill careers,” said Dr. Carolyn Henderson, dean of instruction. “NIMS accreditation confirms that our manufacturing programs align with industry expectations and that our graduates are workforce-ready on day one.”
Founded by industry leaders, NIMS establishes nationally recognized standards and credentials for machining, metalworking and advanced manufacturing occupations. Employers widely use NIMS credentials to evaluate technical skills and job readiness.
Calvin Rosseau, machine tool technology instructor at Drake State, said the accreditation confirms both the quality of the program and the value of the credentials students earn.
“Earning NIMS accreditation confirms that our workshop and curriculum meet the national standards that NIMS represents,” Rosseau said. “This ensures our students earn the credentials they need to be successful in the machining trade.”
College officials said the accreditation strengthens Drake State’s role as a key workforce development partner in North Alabama, supporting regional economic growth and helping manufacturers fill critical talent needs.
Drake State Community and Technical College, established in 1961, is a historically Black community college located in Huntsville. The college offers university-transfer degrees, technical programs, certificates, adult education and customized workforce training for employers in Huntsville and Madison County.
The National Institute for Metalworking Skills was formed in 1995 by leading trade associations to develop and maintain a globally competitive American manufacturing workforce. NIMS is the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute to develop national standards for the metalworking industry.
