Multi-skilled training center coming to Phil Campbell

By Staff
Nathan Strickland
PHIL CAMPBELL – Northwest-Shoals Community College Phil Campbell campus is adding to the curriculum by installing a state-of-the-art, multi-skilled training center.
State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt, State Sen. Roger Bedford, Phil Campbell Mayor Jerry Mays, NW-SCC President Dr. Humphrey Lee, Director of the Franklin County Development Authority Mitch Mays and State Board of Education District 7 Rep. Garry Warren were all on hand to dig up some sand during the groundbreaking ceremony held on Nov. 10.
The $1.2 million project will be funded through the Institution and Public School and College Authority (PSCA) Bond funds.
"This project will add the teaching of additional occupational skills, besides the already successful nursing program, " said Phil Campbell Mayor Jerry Mays.
"There is more of a demand than we realize for this field. It is very important to have a machine and welding course taught here."
The center will be equipped with the latest technology, due to a $335,000 grant received by the college back in 2008.
Associate Dean of Instructional programs Timmy James said the waiting list is a mile long for this field of study.
"This is an extension of the welding and machine tool programs they offer at the Muscle Shoals campus," James said.
"We want to give the students in the area the same opportunities. This is big news for the community and the county."
This will be the first construction of a building on campus since the Lou B. Bevill Center, which was built for the performing arts program in 1995.
The almost 10,000 square-foot facility is projected to be ready for classes no later than the 2011 spring semester.