CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Schools recently announced a new partnership with the Academy of Craft Training (ACT). Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) Assistant Director/WBL Coordinator Haynes Riddle was selected to lead the initiative in north Alabama.
Beginning this August, students enrolled in the 11th and 12th grades can participate in the ACT. It is free to students, and transportation to the site in south Decatur will be provided. Paid internships will be available during the summer, winter and fall breaks. Students can participate in five areas: Building Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Interior & Exterior Finishes and Welding & Piping.
The ACT is “a public/private partnership between the commercial construction industry and the State of Alabama’s K-12 Career and Technical Education System. Our mission is to recruit, educate and guide high school students for educational and employment opportunities in the construction industry. Our goal is to help these students get the education and skills they need to be entry-level, skilled workers in the construction industry. Students have the opportunity to learn directly from construction industry professionals in a workplace-style environment, work as interns with local construction companies and receive job offers upon graduation.”
When asked if this program will be a better option than college for some students, Riddle said, “Absolutely. Much of our workforce is approaching retirement age, which means unbelievable opportunities for our graduates. Our ACT students will graduate with multiple internship opportunities, at least one job offer and are ready to enter the workforce. We encourage all students who are serious about starting a career after graduation to apply.”
This program will not compete with CATA, as CATA focuses primarily on residential carpentry. The ACT will only teach commercial construction trades.
Parents and students can learn more and apply at www.academyofcrafttraining.org.
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