MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) Mobile County Public Schools unveiled a plan to build a $2 million, 15,500 square foot facility at BC Rain High School for aerospace training.
"The SREB the Southern Regional Education Board and the state of Alabama came together and realized that Alabama has a lot of aviation industry in it, and they figured that aviation is one area that we can work on," said Aerospace Technology Teacher Dow Jones.
Starting in October, students from Mobile County can train in the Aerospace Career track to become technicians all while gaining college credit and certificates.
Jones stated, "{We'll be} Teaching the mechanical sheet metal work, those types of things, engine repair, the maintenance side of the issue so you have a career track that goes out of high school."
The goal is to get students employed after high school and college.
Companies like St. Aerospace and Airbus have partnered with Mobile County Schools to help give input on curriculum, mentors, and materials.
"Aviation aerospace industry is growing in Mobile, and we need to supply workers and employees down the line as technicians and engineers," said Executive Director of Career Education Larry Mouton.
In addition to the career track, BC Rain has started a college based track. Jessica Beaman is one of 31 enrolled.
"It's been so fun because we get to build stuff like kites, model rockets, airplanes, and find out how the wings (need to) be balanced on the airplane so it won't tip over when you flying," Beaman said.
School officials hope to have more than 30 additional students in the career track next semester.
Airbus has donated scholarships for students who hope to attend college after they complete their training.
