On August 21, 2023, Wallace State Community College in Hanceville hosted a grand opening ceremony for their new Center for Welding Technology and Innovation Center—but that wasn’t the only thing they had to celebrate. Keep reading to find out what other big announcements they gave.

The new Center for Welding Technology and Innovation Center

At 30,000 square feet, the Center for Welding Technology and Innovation Center is the biggest facility for welding training in the entire Southeast. Here’s a look at what’s inside the $8.8 million facility:

4 robotic welding stations (3 more to come)
9 virtual welding simulators
81 welding booths
20 grinding booths
Fabrication area which includes a plasma CNC table, pipe welding equipment and 2 welders
3 classrooms fitted with equipment for online classes

The Innovation Center is an incubator for startups, providing entrepreneurs with both space and connections. In all, the facility creates nearly 100 jobs and makes a big impact on students’ lives.

“The new welding facility allows us to impact more lives by providing more opportunities for students to receive training that leads to high-demand, high-wage jobs. And the innovation center provides more spaces for up-and-coming businesses to grow and prosper.”

Dr. Vicki Karolewics, President, Wallace State Community College (Wallace State Community College News)

Other big developments at Wallace State Community College

But Wallace State didn’t just celebrate a grand opening. They celebrated a historic day, as Dr. Karolewics described it.

They announced nearly $49 million of additional investments, which include:

$4.2 million to expand + renovate the Machine Tool Technology building
$9.6 million to build a new facility for Automotive Technology with emphasis on electric and autonomous vehicles
$35 million STEM Gateway building, which will be home to first-year student classes, the Culinary Arts program, a digital learning center and a tutoring center

All of these investment go toward the goal of equipping the next generation of workers.

“We’re investing in the future of our students.

The purpose of education is to get our people ready for a job. I believe everybody’s got a God-given ability, everybody’s got a passion. The purpose of education is to get them ready for a job.”
Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth (Wallace State Community College)

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