Another School, Another Expansion

A sub-campus of Enterprise State Community College, Alabama Aviation College, is embarking on an expansion in its efforts to increase output in its aviation programs.

The school lies in Enterprise, Alabama, and it's quickly outgrowing its current home. The school offers training in composites, A&P, avionics, CNC ops, mechatronics, and commercial vehicle operation from its 2-year programs. Currently, Alabama Aviation College sees a few hundred students through its programs at any one time, but Stan Smith, school director, says that's not enough for what they see on the horizon. As such, the newly renovated James Douglas Brown Sr. Building will help them increase student throughput.

“It was a worthwhile project, it needed it, and it was a landmark in the community,” said Smith.“We are now knocking at the door of 500 students on this campus. With our growth knocking at the door of 500, we needed more space and we don’t want to wait until we are out of space to build space,” Smith said. The new classrooms will be used for the avionics program first. Between an industry hungry for workers, and a reliable career outlook, the $5 million renovation seems to be a solid bet.

“There are 3,400 jobs open in aviation right now. There are over 2,400 avionics jobs open right now in the United States. People want to hire our graduates. An airline company was just here yesterday recruiting our people. Boeing was here two weeks ago recruiting people. There is a demand there and a need."

FMI: www.escc.edu