02/13/24
Gadsden State to offer new work-based apprenticeship program
Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College is expanding the popular “earn while you learn” education model to a new program known as the Consortium of Machining Education Training. It will be on the East Broad Campus in Gadsden and the Ayers Campus in Anniston.
“This hybrid work-based apprenticeship program allows students to attend classes two days a week while simultaneously working for an industry partner,” said Alan Smith, dean of Workforce Development. “CoMeT’s cutting-edge curriculum supports precision machining and advanced manufacturing with paid working experiences.”
A precision machinist is a skilled professional who operates and maintains machinery to fabricate metal, plastic or other materials with high precision and accuracy. They work with a variety of machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, grinders and computer numerical control machines to produce components with tight tolerances according to specific engineering drawings or blueprints.
“Machinists play a crucial role in manufacturing industries, such as aerospace, automotive and medical device manufacturing, where precision and quality are paramount,” Smith said.
Through the CoMeT program, students will take classes at Gadsden State two days a week and work for an industry partner for three days a week. Completers of the program will graduate with an Associate in Applied Science in Precision Machining.
“In addition to receiving a valuable credential, the students will also have two years of industry-verified experience,” Smith said. “They may also have the opportunity to continue as a full-time employee at the industry in which they trained.”
Gadsden State plans to accept up to 31 students in its first cohort. Scholarships are available. There is no GPA requirement for acceptance. An essay of 300 to 500 words detailing how CoMeT will help the student achieve life goals is required. Students will participate in interviews with industry partners.
There are 12 industry partners who have agreed to hire CoMeT students with a pay of at least $15 per hour. Students will work a minimum of 24 hours per week. Partners in Etowah County include Choice Fabricators, Gadsden Tool Inc., Prince Metal Stamping, Stamped Products Inc. and Weaver Diversified Industries. Calhoun County partners include Aerospace Coatings International, Alabama Specialty Products, General Dynamics OTS, Lee Brass and Manufacturing Technology and Services LLC. XYZ Control Inc. is in St. Clair County, and Siemens Energy is in Dekalb County.
“Industry partnership is so important to Gadsden State,” Smith said. “Through collaboration, we are equipping students with in-demand skills, driving innovation and empowering local economies.”
The deadline to apply to CoMeT is March 29. Steps to apply include:
- Apply for admission to Gadsden State at gadsdenstate.edu/apply
- Complete the CoMeT application found at gadsdenstate.edu/comet
- Submit official high school and college transcripts to the Admissions Office.
- Send ACT scores and unofficial transcripts to Keri Wood, work-based learning specialist, at kwood@gadsdenstate.edu.
- Complete a 300- to 500-word essay and send to Wood
All accepted CoMeT students must pass a drug screen and background check. For more information, go to www.gadsdenstate.edu/comet. Application questions may be directed to Andy Robertson, coordinator of Workforce Development, at arobertson@gadsdenstate.edu.