Firm Represents Drake State and Alabama Community College System in Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program Launch

Roger Bates, Managing Lawyer of Hand Arendall Harrison Sale recently served as legal counsel to Drake State Community & Technical College and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) in connection with the development and implementation of the newly launched Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program, a workforce development initiative designed to prepare North Alabama residents for careers in advanced manufacturing and defense industries.

Announced on June 17 at Drake State’s campus, the Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program will provide participants with paid, earn-while-you-learn training opportunities in three specialized pathways—Assembly Mechanics, Solder, and Quality. Apprentices will be Boeing employees from the outset, receiving pay and benefits while completing hands-on training and earning industry-recognized certifications that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Roger Bates represented Drake State and ACCS in negotiating, documenting, and contracting for the apprenticeship program, as well as assisting with the legal work associated with facility improvements and training-space enhancements necessary to support the program on Drake State’s campus.

The announcement event was attended by Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims, U.S. Congressman Dale Strong, senior Boeing leadership, representatives of the Alabama Community College System, and members of the Alabama Legislature, underscoring the significance of the partnership for workforce development and economic growth in North Alabama.

The Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program is designed to create a direct pipeline between workforce training and employment, providing participants with valuable technical skills while helping meet the growing demand for highly trained workers in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing industries.

“The firm is honored to have played a role in a project that brings together industry, education, and government partners to create meaningful career opportunities while strengthening Alabama’s workforce,” said Roger Bates.

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC is a regional law firm with offices along the coast of Northwest Florida and throughout the state of Alabama.  Since the start, the firm has maintained a fundamental commitment to providing quality legal services to the clients it serves.  Cases and projects are staffed with the goal of achieving success for the client with maximum efficiency.  With offices in Athens, Birmingham, Mobile, and Fairhope, Alabama; and Florida offices in Destin, Panama City, and Santa Rosa Beach, the firm is uniquely situated among the Southeast’s major law firms to provide legal direction to clients throughout Alabama, Northwest Florida, and Mississippi. Learn more at www.handfirm.com.