Boeing and Drake State Community & Technical College have launched a new apprenticeship program aimed at preparing local workers for careers in advanced manufacturing and defense production while addressing growing workforce demands in Huntsville.
The Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program, announced Wednesday, will be based on the Drake State campus and offers participants paid training, industry certifications and a direct pathway to employment with Boeing.
Enrollment is now open.
The program comes as Boeing ramps up production in Huntsville, including PAC-3 seeker production and the manufacture of key hardware for other Boeing systems.
“The apprenticeship program provides an opportunity to join our workforce at a crucial time,” said Lance Fulks, Boeing vice president of manufacturing for Space, Intelligence & Weapon Systems. “It’s a fast-track to a rewarding career for candidates and fills a need for Boeing as we seek to hire and train skilled teammates.”
Participants will be hired as Boeing employees from the start and will receive company pay and benefits while completing training. Depending on the selected pathway, the program will last between four and 12 weeks.
The apprenticeship offers three career tracks:
- Assembly Mechanics
- Solder
- Quality
Graduates who successfully complete the program will have the opportunity to transition into full-time positions following a 90-day probationary period.
Drake State President Patricia Sims said the partnership aligns with the college’s mission of creating economic opportunities for local residents.
“Drake State welcomes this partnership and the apprenticeship program to our campus,” Sims said. “The program expands our work of building economic pathways for our community members and ensuring that the growth of the advanced manufacturing sector reflects and includes the people of Huntsville.”
Jimmy Baker, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, said the initiative represents the type of collaboration needed to support both workforce development and economic growth.
“This model addresses a critical need and supports future growth for Huntsville, but also the apprentices and trainees who will emerge from the program,” Baker said.
According to Boeing officials, graduates will support the company’s Huntsville Electronic Center of Excellence and gain experience in advanced manufacturing operations tied to defense and aerospace programs.
“As demand grows for the PAC-3 interceptor, we are taking deliberate steps to build the skilled talent pipeline needed to support PAC-3 seeker production and production of vital hardware for other Boeing systems,” said Pierce Lehr, Boeing vice president of Space, Intelligence & Weapon Systems Supply Chain and Huntsville site executive.
Lehr said the partnership with Drake State will help develop workers with the technical skills needed to support the company’s future manufacturing needs.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong praised the program, calling it an investment in both workers and the region’s economic future.
“This partnership will invest in the skill sets that will power tomorrow’s defense and manufacturing innovations right here at home,” Strong said. “This initiative not only creates well-paying jobs, it strengthens our community’s role as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and technological excellence.”
Applications for the apprenticeship program are being managed directly by Boeing, with enrollment currently underway.
