Nov 24, 2025
To close out our coverage of the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Leadership Council meeting hosted by inSpring at HolonIQ’s September Back to School Summit, we dive into the event’s final session highlighting Alabama’s public-private collaboration.
Alabama leaders Kevin Taylor of Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) and Don Griffith of Y-Tec Keylex Toyotetsu Alabama, Inc. (YKTA) spotlight innovation, partnership, and best practices in workforce development.
Originating in 1971, AIDT is one of the most robust state-level workforce development programs in the nation. A division of the Alabama Department of Commerce, AIDT has become an economic engine for Alabama, supporting 117 active projects and creating more than 25,000 jobs.
AIDT Deputy Director Kevin Taylor spoke to the organization’s customized training approach, developing its programs to align with partner company goals. From prescreening to successfully delivering trainees, AIDT works at no cost to employers and trainees.
YKTA, an automotive supplier responsible for producing the “skeleton” of vehicles, requires well-trained employees due to safety and quality necessary for the cars’ structural integrity. Working with AIDT, YKTA was able to adapt the frequency of training to meet adjusted training and production needs. The flexibility and intentionality behind the program is a major component of AIDT’s service.
This partnership highlights how targeted, customized workforce solutions can drive large-scale job creation, industry resilience, and regional innovation.
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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role?
I serve as the Deputy Director of AIDT, where I oversee multiple companies and industry sectors supported by the organization—including automotive, aerospace, aviation, logistics and distribution, food processing, bioscience, chemical operations, and others. I also meet with prospective clients to demonstrate AIDT’s process and capabilities as they consider locating or expanding their facilities in Alabama.
What led you to participate in the Council?
After receiving an invitation from Imran Oomer with inSpring Careers, and understanding that the Council brings together regional leaders in workforce development, economic development, and manufacturing across various states, I saw this as a valuable opportunity to share best practices and collaborate on skills development strategies that support industry growth.
From your perspective, what are the most pressing workforce challenges in your organization and sector right now?
EV automotive manufacturing is a new and rapidly evolving sector for all of us. Alabama currently produces 1.3 million vehicles per year with five automakers (Mercedes, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, and Toyota) making automotive manufacturing a foundational pillar of the state’s economy.
However, traditional automotive production, such as internal combustion engine assembly, differs significantly from EV manufacturing. Many employees will require substantial retraining. The transition to EVs has revealed several skill gaps, particularly in electrical fundamentals, high-voltage systems, and automation, especially PLCs. Above all, the most critical training need is EV safety. Employees must understand that even seemingly simple tasks carry heightened risks due to the more hazardous nature of EV manufacturing.
What advice would you share with other leaders tackling similar challenges?
Collaboration is essential. Partner with industry, workforce organizations, and colleges and universities to ensure that your efforts remain industry driven. You’ll be far more productive and successful by building strong partnerships rather than working in silos.
Establish advisory committees that include representatives from industry, higher education, community and technical colleges, and other training organizations. Begin developing and implementing training programs now to build a strong talent pipeline, don’t wait until a crisis arises. Be proactive, because the EV ecosystem will continue to evolve at a rapid pace.
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In addition to programs shaped for companies, AIDT is innovating the Alabama workforce through early education and creative solutions.
AIDT developed “Modern Manufacturing,” a high school course designed to help students leave school with job-ready, hireable skills. The program has 3,000+ students enrolled today.
Creating fresh opportunities, AIDT has redeveloped former commerce centers, such as the old Montgomery Mall, to create Centers of Excellence. These centers provide training and workforce programs for citizens in large metropolitan areas. Revitalization of these facilities is strategic in providing a familiar environment and geographic location that’s accessible and scalable for training needs.
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Together, AIDT and YKTA embody a highly collaborative, industry-driven approach to manufacturing talent development that could serve as a global model for those facing similar challenges in advanced manufacturing and workforce readiness.
With solution-driven programming already in place, inSpring has established a regional talent hub in Alabama, playing a key role in aligning employers, educators, and workforce developers. Pulling in an international audience, partnerships like these between industry champions offer scalable workforce solutions to critical hiring and training needs.
At inSpring, we’re bridging talent and industry to build the future of workforce. Learn more about how inSpring can support your talent strategy.
