NORTH ALABAMA

32

School Participation

250

Students Accepted

133

Yearly Internships

Industry Instructors

  • Thomas Holcomb

    Industrial Metal Fabrication Instructor

    “I'm a third-generation welder with 15 years of experience. I learned welding at Earnest Pruett Center of Technology during my time at Scottsboro High School and earned an Associate's degree in Welding Technology from North-West Shoals Community College. I also taught welding for 4 ½ years through the Alabama Community College System and the Alabama Department of Education. I'm a Scottsboro, Alabama native, a husband, and a father to Robert and Karlianne. Teaching is my passion, and I'm proud to be part of the ACT family.”

  • Reid McCord

    HVACR & Mechanical Systems Instructor

    “My journey in the HVAC industry began in 2016 when I joined a small HVAC company during my high school years. It didn't take long for me to realize my passion for the construction industry, so I made the decision to dual enroll in college to fully immerse myself in this field. I received my degree in HVACR from Gadsden State Community College in 2019. I became a licensed HVAC contractor for the state of Alabama in 2022. Over the last three years, I've been deeply involved in the residential, commercial, and industrial areas, focusing on the installation and servicing of HVAC equipment. I've always had a desire to give back to this industry, and ACT has made that possible for me.”

  • Wade Sharpe

    Commercial Electrical Construction Instructor

    “I started in construction right after high school, have over 28 years of electrical experience through multiple contractors. I enrolled into trade school apprenticeship program then became a Licensed Journeyman, now an Electrical Contractor I have now been a Certified Electrical Instructor for levels 1 thru 4 for over 5 years. I worked on a variety of projects from schools, jails, water treatment plants, FBI, Missile Defense, NASA among many others throughout the years.”

  • Matthew Oldacre

    Commercial Construction Instructor

    “My career in the construction industry started as a framer, where I proved myself as a valuable asset. My innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities led me to learn every facet of the industry. After working for 30 years in construction, I transitioned to teaching at Sparkman High School, where I started their Architecture, Construction, and Manufacturing program. I am thrilled to be at the Academy.”

On-Site Education

  • Tosha Banks

    Counselor

    “I've dedicated my career to education and leadership, with roles as a special education teacher and high school counselor in Morgan County Schools. I hold a B.S. in Special Education from Athens State, an M.Ed. in School Counseling, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of West Alabama. Outside of work, I'm happily married to a teacher and coach, and we have two sports-loving boys. My passion in Career and Technical Education (CTE) is helping students find meaningful employment, particularly in the commercial construction industry, through my work at ACT.”

  • Haynes Riddle

    Education Director

    “I've dedicated my career to education and leadership, holding roles as a Career Tech Administrator, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, and Career Tech Consultant within Cullman City and Cullman County Schools. My experience in education began as an Agriscience Teacher and FFA Advisor in Cullman County, where I also managed a small part-time construction company for several years. My educational journey includes earning a B.S. in Agriscience Education from Auburn University, M.Ed. and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. What I find most fulfilling in the field of Career and Technical Education is facilitating students' entry into the workforce. I'm particularly grateful for the opportunity at ACT to help numerous students secure gainful employment in the commercial construction industry.”