Drake State Community and Technical College and Yulista, a leading defense and aviation solutions provider, have collaborated to create a robust talent pipeline and foster mutual growth. This unique partnership bridges academia and industry, facilitating a dynamic exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Yulista is a partner in Drake State’s Connecting Students with Industry (CSI) program. The program provides students with hands-on experience at Yulista, allowing them to apply classroom teachings to real-world scenarios. This strategic initiative enhances the students’ skill sets and aligns closely with Yulista’s commitment to cultivating local talent and fostering a skilled workforce.

In a reciprocal arrangement, Yulista employees will contribute to Drake State’s educational landscape by serving as instructors for specialized manufacturing classes. This exchange of industry insights and practical knowledge ensures that academic curricula remain relevant and closely aligned with the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector.

Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to providing our students with not only a world-class education but also a direct pathway to meaningful careers. By forging unique and strategic alliances with industry leaders like Yulista, we ensure the success of our students in the rapidly changing landscape of advanced manufacturing.”

Josh Herren, Yulista President and CEO, remarked, “On behalf of all of Yulista, I’m immensely proud of our educational partnership with Drake State. Workforce development is an urgent need in a mission-critical city like Huntsville, AL. These partnerships boost the economy and keep the Huntsville area as the tip of the spear for our nation. Our partnership allows us to work together to connect students with industry in the early stages of their career development and set a lifelong foundation of learning and professional development.”

Both institutions are confident that this collaboration will not only benefit the students directly involved but will also contribute to the overall economic development of the region by fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce.