HUNTSVILLE – Calling it a “transformative investment in workforce education,” officials cut the ribbon today on the Leidos Advanced Training Complex at Drake State Community and Technical College.
The ceremony marked the grand opening of the 50,000-square-foot facility on Drake State’s campus, which will support education and training for the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.
“The Leidos Advanced Training Complex represents a transformative investment in workforce education and regional economic growth,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State. “This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to expand training opportunities in high-demand industries such as precision machining and welding, preparing our students for the careers of tomorrow while strengthening the talent pipeline for our local and national partners.
“I want to thank our state elected officials, the Alabama Community College System, and Leidos for supporting this transformative project.”hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for its new .
The training complex houses in-demand training programs, including precision machining and welding. It also features dedicated space for additive manufacturing, mechatronics, electrical technology, engineering design, and more, as well as lab spaces, classrooms, and offices for instructors and administration.
Additionally, the complex will serve as home to a new cohort of Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education students, an apprenticeship-style program that Drake State started in 2024.
“Huntsville has been a cornerstone of aerospace and defense talent since the industry’s earliest days,” said Leidos CEO Tom Bell. “This partnership with Drake State will grow the pipeline of talented people who will solve our nation’s most vexing challenges in smarter and more efficient ways.”
The Leidos Advanced Training Complex was identified as a key initiative through the Alabama Community College System’s ASPIRE 2030 plan, which stands for “Achieving Systemwide Potential through Increased Resources and Engagement.” The initiative was made possible by a statewide bond issue passed by the Alabama Legislature in 2020 to support facility upgrades and new construction across Alabama’s education system.
“The facility here will effectively serve Drake State students and North Alabama for a long time,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker. “We are in the business of making life better for everyone. It’s our job and mission to make sure every area of this state has the resources needed to provide training and support economic development. The innovation and talent that will be produced at this training complex will be among the best in the state.”
Last November, Leidos announced a $1.75 million donation to Drake State to help fund the school’s advanced manufacturing and IT programs, student apprenticeships, campus technical and infrastructure upgrades, a new scholarship endowment, and faculty development opportunities.
In recognition of the donation, Drake State named the building the Leidos Advanced Training Complex.
Drake State broke ground on the facility on June 9, 2023. The complex features 10 laboratories, seven classrooms, multiple offices, a multipurpose room, specialized tool and storage areas, a storm shelter, a testing suite, a kitchen and serving area, a break room, and modern restrooms.
Additional features include glass viewing areas for prospective students and industry partners, as well as digital displays providing key information for students and visitors.
The new training complex will equip students with skills to help them earn high wages and gain nationally recognized certifications at a low cost.
Goodwyn Mills Cawood provided architectural, interior design, civil engineering, and landscape architecture services for the complex, which was constructed by Fite Building Co.
“This building was designed to be more than just a place to learn — it’s a space that fosters connection, growth, and opportunity,” Hunter Swatek, Goodwyn Mills Cawood project manager, said. “GMC was eager to work closely with Drake State and the community to create an environment that reflects their values while supporting the success of every student who walks through these doors. It’s exciting to see it opening and ready to inspire the next generation.”
For more information about programs available in the Leidos complex, visit drakestate.edu.
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