TANNER, AL-

The RTP Mobile Training Lab contains both Robots and PLCs that are used in training, educational and industrial settings.  This mobile lab will be utilized to educate students from k-12 through college and create awareness about careers in the robotics and automation industry.

In addition to the unveiling of the mobile training unit there will also be live demos and seminars, research and development activities will be featured, and facility tours will be held throughout the day. “This event is yet another step towards putting Gov. Bentley’s Accelerate Alabama plan in motion.  The RTP is an integral part of the retention, renewal and recruitment of resources for existing industries and new industries looking for a home”, stated Ed Castile, AIDT Director.

The Alabama Robotics Technology Park (RTP) is a multi-phase state-of-the-art facility focused on training and educating citizens in emerging Robotics and Automation technologies. Website: http://www.alabamartp.org

The purpose of the Career Expo is:
•    To motivate students to take advantage of Career/Technical courses and training opportunities while in high school
•    To consider personal career goals when choosing all high school courses
•    To set realistic, but challenging career goals
•    To actively participate in career exploration and training throughout high school
•    To explore, plan and prepare for post-secondary career training
•    To focus on positive career goals that help build self-esteem and reduce negative thoughts and behavior

AIDT has hosted the Career Expo for the past five years. The Expo allows industry and business representatives to meet their future workforce. It also exposes students to potential employers and makes them aware of available career choices and the skills and education needed to pursue those careers. Participating companies are asked to showcase career and job opportunities within their organization as well as inform the students of the necessary skills needed to gain employment.

About AIDT
AIDT, a division of the Alabama Department of Commerce, encourages economic development through job-specific training. Training services are offered in many areas, at no cost, to new and expanding businesses throughout the State.  AIDT is a proud supporter of the efforts of SkillsUSA and all other Career and technical education organizations.

About SkillsUSA Alabama


SkillsUSA – Alabama is a career and technical education service organization comprised of  K-12 and post-secondary students from across Alabama.  SkillsUSA-Alabama is dedicated to helping its members develop solid technical, leadership, and employability skills.



About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA helps students discover and grow their career passions. As a nationwide partnership of students, instructors and industry working together, SkillsUSA works to ensure America has a skilled workforce.  The organization emphasizes respect for the dignity of work, ethics, workmanship, scholarship and safety. For more information, go to http://www.skillsusa.org.

Dothan, AL

Commercial Jet is looking for candidates to fill several positions. Applicants for all positions will be required to attend AIDT pre-employment training and must apply online at www.aidt.edu/jobs. This is a change from the initial process which directed applicants to the Commercial Jet website for some of the positions. All interested applicants must complete online applications on the AIDT jobs page.

Previous experience is preferred and wages offered are dependant on experience. A high school diploma/GED, as well as a criminal background check and drug test, will be required for all positions. Commercial Jet provides an excellent benefits and compensation package. If you’re ready for an opportunity to start an exciting career with Commercial Jet please apply at www.aidt.edu/jobs.

Proof of Alabama’s recent economic development accomplishments was also announced today when Governor Bentley shared the Department of Commerce’s 2012 New and Expanding Industries report. The report shows a 32 percent increase year-over-year in capital investment in the state of Alabama from new and expanding industries. In 2012, companies announced $5,405,382,649 in investment and 20,847 new jobs coming to Alabama.

Stories of many of the companies and industries delivering these jobs to Alabama can be found at MadeInAlabama.com, which centers around original and aggregated news content in topics including manufacturing, workforce, innovation and infrastructure.

The website builds on a growing global marketing trend in which brands are becoming online publishers in order to increase engagement with their customers. Stories are written in a journalistic style, going far beyond the traditional press release-filled newsroom to include articles that people not only want to read but also share across social platforms. What makes the department’s online news content unique is that rather than boosting a brand, this content is telling the story of a state and coming from an authoritative and unbranded source: the AlabamaDepartment of Commerce.

“When we looked at cost-effective ways to tell the whole story of what is happening here inAlabama as well as the incredible potential for continued growth, there was no question that this online news platform should be the foundation for our marketing efforts,” said Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield. “Alabama is at the cutting edge when it comes to high-tech industrial manufacturing and groundbreaking medical research, and we need to deliver a marketing program just as sophisticated.”

Stories initially featured on the website include an in-depth look at efforts to recruit Airbus suppliers to support the aviation giant’s first U.S. manufacturing plant, set to break ground in Mobile in April; an article about almost-complete Interstate 22 in northwest Alabama and how it is creating opportunity for growth in rural counties; a story and photo gallery about Alabama’s 24-hour Hyundai auto plant; an examination of research activities at Huntsville’s HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology; and even an article about a unique candy manufacturer in Birmingham that is shipping its products to more than 50 countries across the globe.

The Made In Alabama brand and website was designed and developed by Alabama-based public relations and advertising agency Big Communications. Original news content is being produced by a network of Alabama business writers specializing in economic development and technology.

About the Alabama Department of Commerce
An extension of the Office of Governor Robert Bentley, the Alabama Department of Commerce is responsible for leading and maintaining economic development across the state. Its divisions include business development, small business advocacy, international trade, the Alabama Film Office and AIDT, Alabama’s award-winning workforce training initiative. For more information, visit www.MadeInAlabama.com.

Ever wonder how and why companies decide to locate in Alabama?  Join us for an in-depth discussion on economic/workforce development in our state and the important role our educators play.

We will cover the “do’s” and “dont’s” of prospecting as well as the three R’s:

• Recruitment – Attracting companies to Alabama
• Retention – Sustaining and growing existing industry
• Renewal – Creating new and innovative technologies that lead to new jobs.

Each session begins at 9:00am and concludes at 12:00pm
note: The first session at the Alabama Robotics Technology Park has been changed from April 23 to May 6, due to state holiday.

Location Options:

May 6 Prospecting Agenda
Alabama Robotics Technology Park (RTP)
6505 U.S. Hwy 311
Tanner, AL 35671

July 16, 2013
Bill Taylor Institute @ Mercedes-Benz U.S. International. Inc. (MBUSI)
9 Mercedes Drive
Vance, AL 35490

October 15, 2013
Hyundai Training Center @ Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Inc.
700 Hyundai Blvd
Montgomery, AL 36105

November 4, 2013
Maritime Training Center
360 Addsco Road
Mobile, AL 36602

Hosted by AIDT
Email info@aidt.edu, for more information

The Alabama Film Office (AFO) announced a significant increase in film and television production activity in Alabama due to incentives passed in 2009. In 2012, a total of 126 production inquiries resulted in 31 projects filming in the state.

The legislature granted $10 million to rebate incentives for qualified productions in Fiscal Year 2012. That amount was increased to $15 million for 2013.  Production companies spent $33.5 million (up from $22 million in 2011).  A total of $9.5 million of the money spent was returned to the companies in rebates.

“These productions provided over 3,000 jobs last year and contributed a positive economic impact to the state,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield.

During the making of the movie “42″, a portion of which was filmed at historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, 200 hotel rooms were rented for three weeks. “Visiting filmmakers and their crews are spending money locally” said Canfield “and Alabama-based crews are able to live and work at home.”

The documentary “Muscle Shoals” is a notable project made in and around the Shoals area. It has received global attention and rave reviews. Debuting at last month’s Sundance Film Festival, it closed to a standing ovation.

Also, “A Smile as Big as the Moon” which aired on ABC and the Hallmark Channel to more than 13 million viewers, recently won top honors at the 21st Annual Movieguide Awards Gala in Los Angeles. It was filmed at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in the fall of 2011.

Dr. Deborah Edwards Barnhart, CEO and executive director of U.S. Space and Rocket Center, said “Filming a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie and a theater box office film here this past year have brought fourteen million into the regional economy as a primary effect.  The secondary effects include hiring of local goods and services to support the film and cast, inspiring local talent to the multitude of career possibilities associated with films, and, most importantly, stimulated public interest in Space Camp and Alabama as a tourism destination.”

“Not only are the large studio productions using the film incentives in Alabama, but many in-state film makers are staying home to film their projects” said Kathy Faulk, Alabama Film Office manager. “We are also seeing a shift in graduates who in the past left our state to find work. We hope to not only keep these students here, but encourage those who’ve left to return home”.

In addition to incentives offered by the State of Alabama to film makers; Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) provides classes to train workforce to be hired by film productions. Classes offered by AIDT include set construction, techniques in camera operating, props, grip and electrical, and more. Information on EMPACT Training classes can be found at www.empactalabama.com.

“This year is gearing up to be another busy year for film productions in our state”, said Faulk, “Alabama is being recognized as a serious competitor and continues to gain momentum in this industry”.

Marco Cordova, vice president of Entertainment Partners, said that he anticipates that Alabama will have more production activity next year with the increase in the annual funding cap.

“Filmmaking in Alabama has become more of an option for larger motion picture and television projects, especially with the additional funding available for productions this year,” he said.

“It is great to see more productions shooting or planning to film in Alabama next year.  In addition to the recent increase to the film incentive funding, the state has a very diverse topography, and the film office and locals here have shown the industry great southern hospitality,” Cordova continued.

Alabama Film Projects Approved for FY 2012 Incentives

Sweet Home Alabama” – Fairhope
3rd Season, bachelor/bachelorette reality dating show.

The Phoenix Rises – Mobile
Sci-fi feature film, a group of scientists join forces to save the world from attack.

Home Front – Mobile
Sci-fi feature film (sequel) the Phoenix Team comes together again to save the USA.

Unknown Caller – Birmingham
Thriller feature film, a family is terrorized in their home.

Yellow Day – Mobile
Faith-based feature film, after being accidentally locked in a church overnight with a mysterious girl, a young man returns to the only place he believes he can find her.

LA Dirt – Fairhope
Feature film, a teen-ager wants to be a championship dirt track racer, but lacks money and support.

Saving Harmony – Muscle Shoals and Russellville
Faith-based feature film, a former country star returns home after her father’s death and discovers what really matters.

42 – Birmingham
Feature film, major motion picture about Jackie Robinson breaking the race barrier in major league baseball. Starring Harrison Ford and Chadwick Boseman.

Space Warriors – Huntsville
Feature film, space campers bond to help save the international space station. Starring Dermot Mulroney, Josh Lucas, Mira Sorvino, Danny Glover and Thomas Horne. Also featuring Alabama’s Grayson Russell.

Grace Unplugged – Birmingham
Faith-based feature film, a girl leaves home in hopes of becoming a pop star. A record label intern and her father help guide her back to her faith. Stars Kevin Pollak.

Oculus – Fairhope and Mobile
Thriller feature film, a murder leaves two children orphaned and convinced that the culprit was a haunted mirror. Stars Karen Gillan.

Additional Alabama Film/TV Projects during FY 2012

Type of Production                              Location

TV Reality Series
Reef Wranglers                                     Orange Beach
Biggest Loser                                       Birmingham
Bamazon                                              Alexander City
Rocket City Rednecks                            Summerville, Decatur

Documentaries
Area Food Bank                                    Montgomery
Jewish Bikers                                        Muscle Shoals

Commercials
Hyundai                                                Montgomery, Birmingham
Bright House                                         Wetumpka
Navy Seals                                           Mobile
Navistar                                                Birmingham

Student Films
Only Fear of Death                                Andalusia, Brooklyn
Stakes                                                  Birmingham

Music Event/Music Video
Gridiron                                                Birmingham
The Band Perry                                     Mobile
HangOut Music Fest                              Gulf Shores

Sporting Events
Navistar Golf                                         Prattville
High School Football                             Spanish Fort
Nascar Racing                                       Talladega
NCAA Div.2 Championship                    Florence

• Collaboration with Shelton valued at $1.6 million
• More than 80 students now enrolled in MBUSI technical programs
• Recruitment underway for next round of students

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA – The State of Alabama and the Mercedes-Benz plant today signed an agreement that recognizes Shelton State Community College as one of the best in its field in preparing individuals for careers in manufacturing.

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) and the State of Alabama (through AIDT, Alabama’s workforce training agency) formalized a contract valued at $1.6 million for Shelton to support MBUSI’s technical programs. The funds will come through AIDT’s Workforce Development funds set up by the State to support MBUSI’s training needs.

Shelton will use the largest portion of the funds ($1.2 million) to buy equipment that will be housed on campus to train students in robotics, electrical and other high-tech skills required in manufacturing.  The remainder of the funds will be used to support students with tuition and fees other program expenses.

“We’ve had resounding success with our Automotive Technician and Mechatronics programs over the past year,” said Markus Schaefer, President and CEO of MBUSI.  “Today, more than 100 candidates have enrolled in the program, which has been recognized in the State of Alabama, nationally and globally as a model in the arena of workforce development.  Shelton State and AIDT have been critical in the success of these efforts.”

“AIDT is pleased to be working with MBUSI and Shelton State in this extremely dynamic program” said Ed Castile, Executive Director for AIDT.  “We have a long-standing relationship with MBUSI and we’re looking forward to expanding our partnership with the plant and Shelton State.  The leadership of both organizations should be commended for this effort.”

The application process for both the Automotive Technician and the Mechatronics programs are now open and students must start the process by enrolling at Shelton State Community College.  Students can get full details on the MBUSI website – www.mbusi.com/employment.  Varying levels of tuition and fee assistance is available for students, based on their GPA as they progress through the programs.

About The Mercedes-Benz Automotive Technician Program

The Mercedes-Benz Automotive Technician Program includes three terms of instruction at Shelton State Community College. Students will attend classes during the day on Monday and Wednesday, and receive training at MBUSI on Thursday and Friday. During training at MBUSI, students will spend time in the classroom and on the shop floor.  Of the students who successfully complete the program at Shelton State, the top 75% will advance to MBUSI and earn a full-time job in Production.

About The Mercedes-Benz Mechatronics Program

The Mercedes-Benz Mechatronics program involves seven terms of instruction at Shelton State and an additional 18 months of training at MBUSI. Students will attend classes at Shelton Monday through Thursday, and experience operational insights and daily procedures at the plant on Fridays.

Upon satisfactory complete of coursework at Shelton, students will earn an Associate’s of Applied Science Degree in Industrial Electronics and a Short Certificate in Industrial Maintenance. Upon successful completion at Shelton State, at least the top 75 % of students in the program will advance to MBUSI and earn a full time job in production.  A percentage of these top students who advance to MBUSI will be selected for an 18 months of additional training, which may qualify them for maintenance positions with the plant.

About MBUSI

The Tuscaloosa plant was founded in 1995 and started production in 1997. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class was the first product and has been built ever since the start of production in 1997, later joined by the SUVs of the GL- and R-Class. In 2011, the plant produced more than 148,000 vehicles and the plant exceeded this figure in 2012. (Official 2012 production numbers will be announced during the Daimler AG Annual Press Conference on Feb. 7, 2013).  As of 2014, the Tuscaloosa plant will be one of the four global production locations of the successor generation of the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and will build these vehicles for the North American market.  The plant also will begin building a fifth model in 2015. MBUSI currently employs roughly 3,000 Team Members

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available at:
www.media.daimler.com and www.mercedes-benz.com

CRH North America, Inc. is seeking qualified team members for the following positions:

Tool and Die Setter II, starting wages are $11.00 per hour to $19.56 per hour.
Requirements include experience in fabrication, stamping, bending, and press manufacturing. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Software Engineer (starting wages will be determined based on experienced)
knowledge of programming languages such as C, C++, Pascal, +OOP is preferred.
Knowledge of the programming language SQL, Oracle, MSSQL, and Delphi is required.

Tool and Die Maker, starting wages are $20.00 per hour to $23.35 per hour.
Four year tool and die apprenticeship, or seven years experience in tool and die is required.

Machinist, starting pay is $16.00 per hour to $20.50 per hour.
Knowledge of PC/Equipment interfaces, mechanical interfaces, CRH internal equipment, and CRH specialty equipment is required.

Weld Technician, starting wages are $11.00 per hour to $19.56 per hour.
Experience in high volume automotive manufacturing environment is a must. Basic
computer skills required, and BSWE/WET accreditation is preferred.

A high school diploma or GED is required for all positions. CRH North America, Inc.,  CRH North America, Inc. offers a very competitive benefits package.
If you’re interested in a dynamic and successful career, please apply online at:  www.aidt.edu/jobs

 HANIL USA is seeking Production Associates, Production Team Leaders, Quality Engineers, and Production Supervisors.

Wages for Production Associates are $10 per hr. with a second shift premium of .25 cents per hr. Requirements include: ability to work in an manual labor environment and lift 30 lbs., one year of industrial experience preferred, computer skills needed, GED/high school diploma required.

Wages for Team Leaders include $12.15 per hr. Requirements include: supervise production issues, conduct inventory in work cell areas, one year of industrial experience preferred, good math/measuring skills, GED/high school diploma required.

Requirements for Quality Engineers include managing and facilitating development, training, implementation and continuous improvement of quality systems.

Requirements for Production Supervisors include managing the day-to-day operations of the production group.

HANIL USA offers a very competitive benefits package. If you’re interested in embarking on an exciting career with HANIL USA, please apply

online at:

www.aidt.edu/jobs

The facility at the Brookley Aeroplex in Mobile will be used to assemble the industry-leading family of A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. The entire project represents a $600 million total investment and is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs within the production facility when it reaches full capacity. In addition, the construction phase of the project is expected to create nearly 3,200 construction-related jobs over a three-year period.

“When Airbus aircraft take to the skies, Alabama’s pride and workmanship will soar along with them,” Governor Bentley said. “We have worked a long time and have put in many hours to make this announcement a reality. This project will create thousands of well-paying jobs that the people of this area need and deserve. Alabama has the best workforce you’ll find anywhere in the country. Airbus has recognized all that this state can offer expanding industries, and the company is making a significant new investment in Alabama.”

The Airbus project is a strong example of the economic development projects targeted by Accelerate Alabama – a long-term strategic plan for attracting a broad range of industries and new jobs. Accelerate Alabama was created by the Alabama Economic Development Alliance, which was established by Governor Bentley last year.

Aerospace is one of 11 specific business sectors that Alabama is pursuing for additional development as part of the Accelerate Alabama plan. “Winning the Airbus project will, indeed, accelerate Alabama,” Governor Bentley said. “This type of project is exactly why I created the Alabama Economic Development Alliance. This is why we have the Accelerate Alabama strategic plan. With the Airbus project, we are seeing positive results that will lead to new jobs while strengthening the state’s economy and advancing our position in the global marketplace.”
The Alabama Department of Commerce is the lead agency administering the Accelerate Alabama plan. The agency is led by Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, who was appointed by Governor Bentley.

“The Airbus decision to create a final assembly line facility is a further sign that Alabama has developed a strong international reputation as a state that fosters success and profitability for companies that choose to invest here,” Secretary Canfield said.  “We are excited about this prominent addition to our growing reputation as a center for aerospace technology and manufacturing,” Canfield added. “This announcement is further evidence that our five-year strategic economic development plan, Accelerate Alabama, is the correct path for future capital investment and job growth in our state.”

Construction of the new Airbus facility is expected to generate $162 million of additional demand for goods and services in Alabama. As the facility comes online, its earnings will be a major benefit to the local and state economies.  “This decision to assemble our popular A320 Family aircraft in the U.S. is great news for our industry partnerships in the U.S. and supports Airbus’ strategy on several fronts,” Airbus President & CEO Fabrice Bregier said. “The U.S. is the largest single-aisle aircraft market in the world – with a projected need for 4,600 aircraft over the next 20 years, and Airbus will be helping to meet that need with aircraft manufactured here. Furthermore, this facility creates new manufacturing jobs and further enhances the partnership between Airbus and its supplier-partners and their employees – a very large percentage of which are located here in the United States. Lastly, it facilitates long-term growth throughout the company in a manner consistent with our goal of expanding our global industrial base.”

“The time is right for Airbus to expand in America,” Bregier added. “Mobile is now becoming part of Airbus’ global production network, joining our successful and growing assembly lines in Hamburg, Toulouse and Tianjin.” Construction of the new facility is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2013. Aircraft assembly is projected to begin in 2015. By the year 2017, the facility is expected to produce between 40 and 50 aircraft per year. “I want to thank everyone involved – from Airbus to our Alabama Department of Commerce to leaders of the City of Mobile and Mobile County. They, along with local economic developers and federal partners, helped bring this project home,” Governor Bentley said. “We all worked together for a common goal, and success is the result. Airbus and its parent company, EADS, have been great citizens of Alabama for years, and we are excited to build on our wonderful relationship.”

Airbus currently operates an Engineering Center in Mobile, which is also located at Brookley Aeroplex and employs more than 200 engineers and support staff. The company also operates an Airbus Military Customer Services Operation, which supports U.S. Coast Guard aircraft. Additional manufacturing sectors that are targeted for growth as part of Accelerate Alabama include the automotive, agricultural products,  steel/metal, forestry products, and chemicals industries. Information technology, biosciences, enabling technologies (robotics, etc.), distribution/logistics, and corporate operations are also major components of the long-range industry diversification plan.

Regular updates for hiring and recruiting will be available through the Airbus Alabama webpage on www.airbus.com and www.aidt.edu/airbus

No other information is available at this time.  Please do not post your resume here or ask for updates.  Those posts will be discarded.