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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Advanced Training for Today’s Auto and Aerospace Workers

AIDT, which is responsible for work force training in Alabama, runs several industry-specific facilities, including the Robotic Technology Park. RTP focuses on robotics and automation technologies that are essential to the auto and aerospace industries.

2013 Auto/Aero Site Guide
AIDT is a sponsor of our 2013 Auto/Aero Site Guide.

Collectively, auto manufacturing and aerospace companies in Alabama employ more than 120,000 people. The list of companies includes major aerospace and automotive industry players such as Airbus, Boeing, GE Aviation, Lockheed- Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Honda.

What makes these companies choose Alabama? According to Airbus Americas Chairman Allan McArtor, it was the work force: “(Airbus) was encouraged by the auto industry’s success in Alabama because its manufacturing aspect is a trained skill similar to that of aircraft assembly.”

When it comes to training workers, the state relies upon AIDT, Alabama’s work force development agency. While AIDT is responsible for work force training for new and expanding companies, it also runs several industry-specific training facilities. One of the more unique facilities is the Alabama Robotic Technology Park (RTP), which focuses on robotics and automation technologies that are essential to the auto and aerospace industries. Classes at the RTP are offered at no cost to Alabama companies; firms outside the state can utilize the RTP for a fee.

RTP consists of three individual training facilities targeted to specific industry needs:

Phase I — The Robotic Maintenance Training center houses an industry-training program where technicians are trained to work on robotic machinery.

Phase II — The Advanced Technology Research and Development Center is used for the purpose of research, development, and testing of leading-edge robotics used for defense projects, space exploration, and manufacturing processes.

Phase III — The Integration, Entrepreneurial, and Paint/Dispense Training Center (in development) will allow companies to build and adapt automation for new and existing manufacturing processes. The facility will allow companies to train in manual paint spraying techniques and robotic dispense training. Other AIDT industry-specific training facilities include the AIDT Maritime Training Center that trains for specific needs of the Maritime industry and The Alabama Center for Advanced Woodworking Technology, which offers work force training specific to woodworking industries. AIDT is a division of the Alabama Department of Commerce. It promotes economic growth through customized work force training.

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