07/12/24
Gadsden State signs first CoMeT cohort
Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College hosted a signing event July 9 for the first cohort of students to be in the Consortium of Machining Education Training. Known as CoMeT, it is a hybrid work-based apprenticeship program that allows students to “earn while they learn.”
Alan Smith, dean of Workforce Development, said the program was developed in 2023 by Gadsden State employees to address the needs of the machining industry.
“Gadsden State is teaming up with companies that need us to provide training to students who will go into their workforce,” he said. “We are providing a pipeline of skilled, highly trained precision machinists who are sure to be excellent employees.”
Seven industry partners signed 13 students and one alternate to be a part of the first cohort during a signing event at the Beck Conference Center on the Wallace Drive Campus. Through the CoMeT program, students will take classes at Gadsden State two days a week and work for an industry partner three days a week.
“It’s not easy going to school and working at the same time,” Smith said. “This program allows students to do both while having a healthy work-life balance.”
The students will be paid at least $15 per hour by their employer during five semesters of training.
“This will be the least amount of money you will ever make for the rest of your life,” Andy Robertson, Workforce Development coordinator, said during the signing event. “You will make more and more money as you progress through your training and your career. Your salary will increase as you gain experience.”
Completers of the program will graduate with an Associate in Applied Science in Precision Machining.
“Upon graduation, the students have the potential to make at least $50,000 a year right away,” Smith said. “Because they’ll have a valuable credential and two years of industry-verified experience, our graduates will be head-and-shoulders above everyone else.”
CoMeT is offered in the Precision Machining Building on the Ayers Campus and in the new Advanced Manufacturing Center on the East Broad Campus. The program is led by instructors Daniel Anderson and Peyton Amberson. They will oversee the students as they complete 1,776 hours in work-based learning as well as five projects.
“The instructors are here to make sure that our students become successful employees,” Robertson said. “They are instrumental in the growth of our students and the growth of our program."
Smith said he expects all of the students to complete the program and graduate from Gadsden State.
“If you study and work hard, you will make it through CoMeT with flying colors,” he said. “Find whatever it takes to finish this program and go onto a successful career.”
Students and industry partners participating in CoMeT include:
Gadsden Tool Inc.—Jonathan Laughlin of Wilsonville and Tyree Street of Anniston
General Dynamics – Champton Goss of Centre, Dalton Johnson of Pisgah and Jakarian Jackson of Anniston
GH Metal Solutions – Kendra Perego of Valley Head
Lee Brass – Derrick Montgomery and Jacauri Whitfield, both of Anniston
Prince Metal Stamping – Eric Danini of Attalla and Tytan Rich of Rainbow City
Stamped Products – Dillon Owens of Boaz and Lucas Renfrow of Attalla
XYZ Controls – Matthew Williams of Glencoe
Alternate – Daronte Collins of Anniston
For more information, visit www.GadsdenState.edu/CoMeT. A photo album from the event can be found at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBz3tR.
