Boeing-Drake State apprenticeship program includes job guarantee, benefits package

To say a new apprenticeship program at Drake State Community & Technical College is generating excitement, is putting it mildly.

“I was stopped in the lobby (of Drake State’s O’Neal Library and Technology Center) by about 10 or 15 people asking ‘how do I apply?’” said Lance Fulks, vice president of manufacturing for Boeing Space, Intelligence, and Weapons Systems.

Fulks was joined by Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims; Keith Phillips, vice chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development for the Alabama Community College System; and U.S. Rep. Dale Strong at Wednesday’s announcement of the Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program.

“This is an exciting partnership between Drake State and Boeing,” Sims said. “At Drake State, workforce development is not just a priority, it’s a mission.

“This brings our mission to life.”

The earn-while-you-learn program, based on the Drake State campus, offers three distinct skill pathways, a paycheck from day one, and a clear route to employment with Boeing’s PAC-3 Seeker program and Electronic Center of Excellence.

“Anytime you talk about workforce development, I’m excited,” Fulks said. “It also makes me excited because I’m a product of the Alabama Community College System.”

Fulks said the program is based on Boeing’s successful apprenticeship program in St. Louis. Managers and mentors serve as instructors for the Drake State program and the students are paid and receive a complete benefit package.

“We know it works,” he said. “We get talent faster and we’re going to get a higher skilled worker from day one.”

Strong (R-Huntsville) said the program is more than a training program.

“This partnership between Drake State and Boeing is what workforce development is supposed to look like,” he said. “It isn’t just training, it’s a pathway. You don’t have to leave North Alabama to find opportunity.

“I believe our finest hours are ahead.”

Phillips said the program’s concept came about in December and reached fruition in just six months.

“When industry comes to the table with a need, we meet the need,” he said. “We look at this as an economic opportunity.”

The application and hiring process are managed directly by Boeing. To apply, visit boeing.com/BTAP.

“We thrive on being a part of the workforce solution,” Sims said. “It’s important we build a sustainable workforce pipeline … this checks all the boxes.

“We are not just launching a program; we are driving innovation.”