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Thompson High School hosted ACS Champions Craft Academy Night on Tuesday, Oct. 22 where key figures in administration presented details on the school system’s newest program for students. (Contributed/Alabaster City Schools)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Students and parents listened attentively in Thompson High School’s Performing arts center during a kickoff presentation that revealed the trade programs for Alabaster City Schools new workforce development center.

THS hosted ACS Champions Craft Academy Night at its PAC facility on Tuesday, Oct. 22 where key figures in administration presented details on the school system’s newest program for students.

“To be able to be on the cusp of opening up our Champions Craft Academy and to do something that’s been a part of our strategic plan, our strategic initiative since the beginning—this is a great day for me,” ACS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said.

The ACS Champions Craft Academy will be housed in the former Winn-Dixie/Restore building on Highway 119 which was acquired by the school system for $1.96 million dollars. The craft academy will serve as a new, state-of-the-art workforce development facility that will provide in-demand career pathways for students at THS.

“This craft academy is the missing piece of the puzzle for our community,” Vickers said.

Currently, the school system transports skilled trades students to Birmingham’s Academy for Craft Training which is a 45 minute one-way bus ride. Alabaster’s newest educational facility will negate the need for this travel and shorten the trip to roughly seven minutes. The removal of the commute time will also free up students’ school schedules for additional electives and extracurricular activities.

During ACS Champions Craft Academy Night, the school system explained to parents and students the details behind the program and how to sign up. The craft academy will be open to students in in grade 10-12 and anyone interested may apply. Currently there are more than 210 applicants to the program already.

Once students sign up, they will engage in a one-on-one, three minute interview in January that discusses each student’s future plans for their career. Once all over the interviews have been completed, 140 students will be selected to participate in the first year of the craft academy.

“What the Champions Craft Academy can offer our students is an opportunity to still be engaged in performing arts, in athletics and to do all the things that they love to do while they continue to learn and engage in the skills, in these trades here at Thompson High School,” said Wesley Hester, assistant superintendent and THS principal.

When the Champions Craft Academy opens for classes in fall 2025, the initial wave of trades offered to students will be construction, welding and electrical. Students will acquire knowledge, skills and certifications throughout their time in the academy.

The craft academy courses will feature lessons from industry professionals who are knowledgeable about each given trade. The course material for 10th graders will build a foundation and teach safety, OSHA 10 and CORE. Students in eleventh grade will dive into additional certifications and 12th graders will get hands-on experience and learn extra specialized skills. Student who are currently sophomores this year or higher will have still have an opportunity to sign up for the academy, and if chosen, will undergo and expedited version of the program.

The craft academy will also offer internships each time students are out of school that will allow them to earn pay and to gain firsthand experience out in the field.

“This is a very mature journey that you’re going to step into,” said Jayden Kidd, who will serve as the transition specialist for the Champions Craft Academy. “We’re going to put you to work. You’re going to use those skills you’ve learned from us in a real world application.”

After successful completion of programs in the craft academy, students will earn industry-recognized credentials issued by the National Center for Construction Education and Research.

Students who study industrial fabrication at the craft academy may earn the following:

• Welding Level 1 Credential
• Pipe Fitting Level 1 Credential
• OSHA 10 certification

Students who study electrical at the craft academy may earn the following:

• Electrical Level 1 Credential
• Electrical Level 2 Credential
• OSHA 10 Certification

Students who study building and construction at the craft academy may earn the following:

• Construction Technology Credential
• Drywall Level 1 Credential
• OSHA 10 Certification

Additionally, students will complete one math requirement while taking part in the program.

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