AIDT — Alabama Industrial Development Training
AIDT (Alabama Institute for Workforce Development) / Alabama Department of Commerce
Free (in-kind, all costs covered)
Free AL workforce training — instructors, space, equipment
AIDT is Alabama's state workforce development agency providing free, customized recruitment and training programs to new and expanding businesses in Alabama. ISO 9001:2015 certified and the first state workforce agency to earn that distinction, AIDT covers all reasonable costs of program development, instructors, instructional space, equipment, and training supplies — at zero cost to the employer. Training is designed for groups of at least 10 employees at jobs paying $10/hr or more.
- Funding type
- Program
- Level
- State
- Amount
- No cash award — AIDT covers 100% of program costs: curriculum development, instructor salaries, training space, equipment, consumable supplies, and training aids. Equivalent avoided cost per employer typically ranges from $50,000 to $1,000,000+ depending on employee count and training complexity.
- Realistic amount
- Equivalent avoided training cost: $1,000–$5,000 per trainee in manufacturing, depending on skill complexity. A facility…
- Deadline
- Rolling — contact AIDT at 334-280-4400. No application windows.
- Status
- active
- States
- AL
- Payment model
- subsidized services
Who qualifies
- New or expanding business in Alabama
- Must be creating net new jobs (AIDT focuses on new position training, not exclusively incumbent retraining)
- Training groups should consist of at least 10 employees
- Jobs must pay at least $10/hr (AIDT targets above-poverty-level employment)
- Business must be in a qualifying sector (manufacturing, distribution, technology, healthcare — not primarily retail or personal services)
Hard requirements
- Location restriction: Alabama
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Pre-employment assessment and screening
- Customized training curriculum development
- Instructor salaries for training delivery
- Training space and facilities
- Training equipment, tools, and supplies
- Skills upgrade training for existing employees adapting to new processes
Ineligible expenses
- Cash disbursements (program delivers services, not cash)
- Training for retail, hospitality, or personal services (not the program's focus)
- Non-Alabama businesses
How to apply
-
1
Contact AIDT project manager
Call AIDT at 334-280-4400 or visit aidt.edu. An AIDT Project Manager is assigned to assess your company's hiring and training requirements. Engage AIDT during site selection — training curriculum development takes time and works best when started before equipment is installed.
~2 hrs
-
2
Workforce needs assessment
Your AIDT Project Manager conducts a thorough assessment of job requirements, production processes, equipment, and the skills needed by incoming workers. This assessment drives the entire curriculum design.
~8 hrs
-
3
Custom training system development
AIDT builds a tailored training system — curriculum, assessments, instructor materials, and equipment — matched to your specific operations. Training can include pre-employment assessment, technical skills, quality, safety, and process-specific modules.
~0 hrs
-
4
Hire candidates and complete training
AIDT assists with candidate screening and job fairs. Training is delivered at AIDT facilities, local technical colleges, or at your plant. All training costs are covered by AIDT — employer pays nothing for curriculum, instructors, space, or equipment.
~0 hrs
AIDT is frequently cited by companies like Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes, and Remington as a key reason they chose Alabama for major facilities. Invoking AIDT during economic development discussions signals you've done your homework on Alabama's workforce assets.
Deadline & timing
Businesses contact AIDT at any time during site selection or expansion planning. Training programs are designed before the facility opens when possible — earlier engagement produces more tailored training curricula.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.