Alabama and Airbus have joined forces to bring a new Aviation Education Center to Mobile, saying it will help "inspire young people to pursue careers in the state's growing aerospace cluster."
The plan was announced Wednesday morning by the office of Gov. Kay Ivey, which is providing $5 million of the project's $6.5 million budget. Airbus is contributing $1.5 million "from AIDT reimbursements for job training."
According to information provided by the governor's office, the education center will be built near the Airbus Final Assembly Line at Brookley. To be managed by Airbus Americas Inc., it will feature classrooms, workshops and "innovation rooms," along with flight-themed exhibits and education programming, some of which will be open to the public "with a minimal entrance fee."
"Airbus strongly supports the establishment of this education center, a facility that will be of great benefit both to the region and to the aerospace industry," said Allan McArtor, chairman of Airbus Americas, in the release from the governor's office. "It will provide Gulf Coast residents, students and visitors a place to learn about the rich history and bright future of aerospace in Mobile, to see themselves as a part of this industry, and to learn more about the ways in which the Mobile Bay area, the state of Alabama and the entire Gulf Coast are benefitting from the aerospace hub at the Brookley Aeroplex at Mobile."
"We look forward to working hand-in-hand with Governor Ivey to bring the education center to reality and help ensure its relevance as well as the future of the aerospace industry in Alabama," McArtor said.
"Alabama's aviation and aerospace industries are poised to drive economic growth in the state over the next 20 years, and it's important that we prepare for this expansion with game-changing workforce development initiatives," Gov. Ivey said.
"With its focus on STEM programming and educational activities, the Aviation Education Center will spark the imagination of young Alabamians and inspire many of them to pursue a career in the fast-growing aviation industry," said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. "We've set a goal of transforming workforce development in Alabama, and the Aviation Education Center will play an important role in our strategic efforts by showcasing the great opportunities available to young people in aviation," he added.