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Reed State announces $9.6 million Department of Defense grant and free workforce training
Summary
Reed State representative Jason Daniel told the council the college received a $9.6 million Department of Defense grant to train workers for shipbuilding supply chains and is offering free trainings (man lifts, scissor lifts, forklifts, fall protection, skid steers, mini excavators) and a supplier conference.
Jason Daniel of Reed State presented a workforce-training initiative to the City Council on Sept. 8, saying the college was one of four awarded a $9,600,000 grant tied to Department of Defense contracts in Mobile and will provide free, certification-based training to area residents.
"Reed State was 1 of 4 colleges awarded a $9,600,000 grant to help with the build subs, contract through the Department of Defense in Mobile," Daniel said in the meeting transcript. He said the grant requires training over the next five years and that Reed State expects to train more than 10,000 employees during that period.
Daniel described several no-cost courses available to the public, including training and certification for man lifts, scissor lifts, forklifts and fall-protection equipment; he also noted additional training for skid steers and mini excavators. According to Daniel, participants receive personal protective equipment and a free pair of work boots when they complete the courses.
Reed State is also hosting a Department of Defense supplier conference and is inviting local businesses and council members to attend. Daniel said the college is distributing brochures and folders to councils and commissions in the region to promote the program.
Councilors and members of the public asked about how to apply. Daniel said people could scan a QR code on the brochure or call a listed phone number and that Dr. Tracy Barfield can assist with scheduling. The transcript records a citizen asking whether there is a website and Daniel replying that a phone number is available to call for help.
The announcement is informational: the council did not take action on the Reed State program during the excerpted portion of the meeting. The transcript does not include enrollment deadlines, the specific phone number provided, nor details on eligibility criteria beyond the statement that the courses are free to attendees.
The outreach targets workforce development and potential supplier participation in DoD-related contracts, and Reed State’s plan to train large numbers of people could affect local hiring prospects in the coming years.
