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Homebuilders academy graduates nearly 50; council discusses $20 permit fee to fund workforce training
Summary
Robert Collins described the South Alabama Homebuilders Academy—s free training cohorts and near-50 graduates; Councilman Woods highlighted an ordinance to allocate $20 from building permits to fund the program as the city anticipates thousands of new construction jobs.
Robert Collins, representing the South Alabama Homebuilders Academy and Superior Construction Restoration Services, told the council the academy has graduated almost 50 students across two cohorts and is operating a third cohort; classes meet evenings and the program is free for students. Collins said the program currently bears an estimated cost of about $3,500 per student to deliver, though students do not pay that fee.
Councilman Woods urged adoption of an ordinance (11-024) that would direct $20 from each building permit toward funding the academy and workforce development, citing the region—s anticipated job growth in construction tied to development near Brookley field. "The program is free to the student," Collins said. "The average cost right now is $3,500 per student."
Council members said they would review ordinance details in the coming week and expected continued committee discussion. Supporters framed the program as a local investment in workforce pipelines that can keep construction jobs and housing development in Mobile.
