A Strong Workforce for a Growing Mobile
Mobile’s growing business community counts on a strong, talented and dedicated workforce. Abundant education programs ensure local residents have the skills area employers need. Among the most recognized state-led workforce training programs in the country, AIDT offers comprehensive pre-employment selection and on-the-job training specific to a qualifying company’s needs. In Mobile, AIDT operates the Alabama Aviation Training Center, AIDT Maritime Training Center and the Erich Heine Learning Center.
Mobile is home to several colleges and universities. The largest is the University of South Alabama, with more than 16,000 students. Faulkner University, Spring Hill College and University of Mobile are privately run.
There are also numerous community colleges, training centers and apprenticeship programs, including Bishop State Community College, Alabama Aviation Center and Coastal Alabama Community College. There were over 28,000 students enrolled in higher education in Fall 2019. In the spring of 2016, a new 25,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing training facility was announced to help the Alabama Community College System meet employer needs for skilled workers.
In addition to having the state’s largest Advanced Placement program, Mobile County Public Schools has 12 Signature Academies with career-oriented curriculums based on current and projected job openings. Included areas of focus are advanced information technology, aerospace, coastal studies, engineering, entrepreneurship, health, international studies, manufacturing and maritime.