FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. –Drake State Community and Technical College has earned accreditation from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), a nationally recognized organization. The 2025 accreditation positions the college to meet growing demand for skilled manufacturing workers in 2026 and beyond, affirming its commitment to excellence in advanced manufacturing and workforce training.
NIMS accreditation recognizes institutions that meet rigorous national standards for quality instruction, industry-aligned curriculum, equipment, safety, and assessment in manufacturing education. Achieving this designation places Drake State among an elite group of training providers whose programs are validated by manufacturing employers across the country.
“This accreditation is a significant milestone for Drake State and reflects our ongoing mission to prepare students for high-demand, high-skill careers,” said Dr. Carolyn Henderson, Dean of Instruction. “NIMS accreditation confirms that our manufacturing programs align with industry expectations and that our graduates are workforce-ready on day one.”
Founded by industry leaders, NIMS establishes nationally recognized standards and credentials for machining, metalworking, and advanced manufacturing occupations. NIMS credentials are widely used by employers to evaluate skills and competence, providing assurance that training programs reflect real-world manufacturing needs.
This accreditation further strengthens the college’s role as a key workforce development partner in North Alabama, supporting regional economic growth and helping meet the talent needs of local and national manufacturers.
About Drake State Community & Technical College
Established in 1961, Drake State Community and Technical College is a historically black community college in Huntsville, Alabama, home to the fast-growing, highly technical aerospace and defense industry, including the NASA Marshall Flight Center, US Army Redstone Arsenal, and Cummings Research Parks. Drake State offers flexible, affordable university-transfer 2-year and technical degrees, certificates, adult and continuing education, and customized technical skills training for Huntsville/Madison County employers. Visit drakestate.edu for more information.
About The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) was formed in 1995 by the leading metalworking trade associations to develop and maintain a globally competitive American workforce. NIMS develops skills standards for the industry, certifies individual skills against the standards and accredits training programs that meet NIMS quality requirements. NIMS operates under rigorous and highly disciplined processes as the only developer of American National Standards for the nation’s metalworking industry accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).