ACS — Alabaster City Schools' highly anticipated Champions Craft Academy, a workforce development center aimed at addressing the skilled trades shortage, is now in the buildout phase. The facility is on track for a summer 2025 opening, bringing with it programs in Welding, Electrical, and Building Science as its inaugural offerings.
The academy will serve as a hub for training students in vital trades, as local and national industries continue to express a growing demand for skilled workers. With the U.S. facing a shortage in the skilled trades, industry partners are showing increasing interest in the Craft Academy as a key resource for workforce development in the region.
The academy's creation is part of a broader effort to prepare students for lucrative careers in trades and provide a pipeline of skilled workers to meet industry needs. Dr. Wayne Vickers, Superintendent, has envisioned a workforce development center within Alabaster City limits for years, as part of the ACS Strategic Plan.
Mr. Michael Lee will serve as principal of the Craft Academy, with data-driven, research-based input and guidance from Dr. Amanda Wilbanks (ACS Chief Academic Officer) and Mr. Jayden Kidd (ACS Transition Specialist).