Honda steps up with SUV for workforce development program at Eden Tech
Story and photos
by Graham Hadley
Once again, St. Clair County is leading the way for the rest of Alabama when it comes to workforce development programs in public education – and Honda Manufacturing is already stepping in to help.
The John Pope Eden Career Technical Center in Ashville, working with the St. Clair Economic Development Council, is taking a lead role in the Modern Manufacturing Program, a partnership between the Alabama Works initiative and local school systems, as the state continues its efforts to boost the number of qualified manufacturing professionals.
The program at is already well on its way to being another workforce development success story for the region. Now, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama has joined those efforts, donating a Honda Pilot SUV and more to MMP at Eden in late October.
“At the Honda Alabama Auto Plant we are excited about the opportunity that the Modern Manufacturing Program can provide for students and industry alike,” said Michael Gaines, division leader at Honda Alabama.
“Modern Manufacturing will provide the necessary skills for entry level manufacturing positions in our company, as well as other manufacturing companies in our region. Almost all industries in our area are experiencing manpower shortages, and this program will give students the basic skills they need before entering the workforce, helping to increase their career options, and hiring potential, while also helping local employers to fill open positions with individuals already advanced in work-based skills.”
Bob Johnson, who helms the program at Eden and a former HMA employee, expressed his gratitude to his former employer for its generosity. “The MMP program at Eden Career Technical Center is very thankful to Honda. This donation will contribute to ensuring that every student is prepared to meet future opportunities beyond high school.”
And that generosity goes beyond just the Pilot. “Honda has contributed parts, materials and money and worked with the St. Clair County Board of Education to make this happen,” he said.
Jason Roberts, director of Industry and Workforce Development at St. Clair EDC, was credited with playing a key role in bringing everyone together. He said the partnership is essential to the success of the MMP program and was quick to point out that across the state, all of the major manufacturers, especially the big automotive companies – Honda, Mercedes, Toyota-Mazda and Hyundai – are stepping in to make sure the skillsets they need are being taught.
The donation is a first for Eden and for schools in the region, said Kristen Holder, executive director for Central Six AlabamaWorks. She, along with other officials, like Alabama School Board Member Marie Manning, EDC Director Don Smith and St. Clair Superintendent Justin Burns, attended the event.
“This is such an opportunity for our students,” Burns said. “I knew it would be a good opportunity when you partner with companies like Honda or Unipres, and Eden Career Tech is the perfect next step in the workforce development process. … I know this is just the beginning. Thank you for giving us the opportunity.”
