A new partnership between Goodwill Gulf Coast and the South Alabama Homebuilding Academy will open the door to tuition-free construction training in January 2026, offering residents a pathway into one of Alabama’s fastest-growing fields.

The eight-week Construction Skills Boot Camp will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Goodwill Gulf Coast’s McMaken building at 2448 Gordon Smith Drive according to a news release. The program is open to anyone 17 or older who wants to enter the residential construction industry, and students will receive free hands-on instruction designed to meet the needs of employers across the region.

“With thousands of jobs currently available, now is the time to explore a future in skilled trades and construction,” Barry Reed Jr., CEO of Goodwill Gulf Coast, said in the release. “In 2024, Alabama had 106,400 construction-related jobs, which was a 4.6% increase over the prior year. Overall, 6.2% of the state’s workforce is employed in this sector, which is projected to have faster-than-average employment growth through 2026.”

Per the release, participants will choose one of five trade-specific options: roofing, plumbing, carpentry, electrical or HVAC. The program includes 16 total classes that cover trade skills, safety training and foundational knowledge needed on residential job sites. Students will also learn to use industry-standard tools and can earn the six-hour HBAA Safety 6 certification.

Goodwill Gulf Coast will provide additional support such as career counseling and job search assistance. A job fair will follow graduation to connect students with construction companies seeking trained workers.

More information and enrollment details for the Boot Camp are available at www.gobuildmobile.org or www.goodwillgulfcoast.org, or by contacting Goodwill Gulf Coast at (251) 471-1581.