(MOBILE, Ala.) June 29 - Looking for a job? Mobile will soon have a training center focused on the maritime industry. Governor Bob Riley, along with other state and local leaders, were in Mobile Monday to launch the construction of the facility. As NBC 15's Andrea Ramey reports, the facility will open the door to hundreds each year looking for a job.
Students at Faulkner Vocational School get a jump start on the skills necessary, like welding to land a job at one of the local shipyards. Once the state Maritime Science Center is complete students will be able to continue their training for free.
"Our programs are strictly entry-level. You going to get enough to get you into the shipyard and get you a job, you're going to start at the bottom," said AIDT Project Coordinator Tony Hopper.
Apprentices will start at places like Austal, which will also have a training facility at the Maritime Science Center.
"It is a very seamless process, bringing somebody in the front door that potentially knows nothing about welding to having them come out the other end and work on building a ship," said Austal Limited CEO Bob Browning.
The facility not only will help people get jobs, it will also serve as recruitment tool for the state.
"When it comes to recruiting that is the first question we're asked, can you get the workforce, can you train them? Can you do something that hasn't been done before. Now, we can say, absolutely," said Governor Bob Riley.
With an expected 700 - 800 people being trained each year, the governor says the center will dramatically improve the Port City's ability to grow the maritime industry and improve its overall economy.
The $9.4 million facility will open next year. A variety of skills including, pipe fitting, welding, sheet metal, and electrical will be taught.
