LBW Community College has announced a new apprenticeship in welding with Dorsey Trailer of Elba, in partnership with Alabama Office of Apprenticeship on its MacArthur campus. This was announced Wednesday, January 18, 2018.
Students will be able to apply the skills they have learned in class and work in Dorsey’s apprenticeship program. The students will be able to gain valuable work experience that is related to their education. Apprentices will be paid a salary that increases with the achievement of specific competencies and instruction goals. When a student finishes the apprenticeship, they will be able to get full-time employment at Dorsey trailer.
“Today’s events marked something very special when you think about partnerships with the community. Dorsey Trailer’s dedication to investing in our LBW student workforce and our community is a model for any business. Chad Sutton, Director of Workforce at LBW, stated that having an AOA registered welding apprenticeship was an incredible resource for our students as well as the community.
This will mark the beginning of Dorsey’s apprenticeship program since 1911, when the company was founded.
“We are thrilled to offer and have never done something like this before. Although it has been a learning process, we are still excited. We have always wanted to reach out and build relationships with the younger generation. This is what we are most excited about. “We want to get them when they’re young, and build a culture at Dorsey,” stated Joseph Scott, Dorsey Vice President.
Scott spoke Wednesday morning to three student groups about the MacArthur campus program. He spoke about the benefits of the company and the life skills that welding can offer students.
The apprenticeship program will offer students a different experience than regular employees. The students will begin their education on campus, and then visit the plant one week later. They will be able to tour the entire plant within eight to twelve weeks. Many of our employees never get to see the entire plant .”
He believes it is important that high school students get an understanding of the industry before applying for an apprenticeship. Because it is so different, many kids don’t understand the experience of working in a manufacturing facility. They won’t be as shocked when they get into the workforce. We want them to be comfortable in the new environment so we just let them go. Scott stated that they hope they enjoy what they see and will buy into our culture so much they want to be a part of us.”
LBW welding instructor Scott Cooper has been with the college for 14 year.
“This will be another employer for our students. Dorsey has always been a great worker in terms of jobs. They have seen a rise in their salaries and improved their safety over the past three years. This is a fantastic opportunity for the children to earn while working at the plant. The school can be paid for and they can learn a trade that will not leave them. They also have the opportunity to make money. Dorsey is like all employers in the state, finding good employees can be difficult. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved, particularly our students at LBW Community College span>
The LBW welder program takes about 18 months to complete if students enroll in the summer.
“Our registered apprenticeships have a positive impact on our community and strengthen our economic growth by providing skilled and qualified workers that meet the needs of local employers.” “This new partnership strengthens our community. It represents Dorsey Trailer’s investment in our student’s as well as their willingness for valuable new opportunities to them,” Dr. Brock Kelley, President of LBW, stated. “Connecting our students with employment through high-quality, work-based learning allows them to earn while they learn and allows our employer partners the opportunity to train within our company span>
Two Andalusia High School dual enrollment seniors talked about why they chose to work in welding and what they look forward to about the apprenticeship.
“I believe that apprenticeships might be beneficial for me since I am a hands-on person. I was a beginner at welding and found it very rewarding. Avery Riley said that coming to LBW to learn welding, and also getting the experience at Dorsey would be a great thing for my career.
“The apprenticeship will be a good opportunity for me as I am trying to find a way of making money while I study. I love to travel and would like to see more of the world. Mark Hart said that it would be a great chance for me to work alongside Dorsey because I love welding.
“The AOA proudly partners with LBW, Dorsey trailer with their new Welding Registered Apprenticeship program. This program is designed to meet the needs of industry and business right where they are. It provides opportunities for apprentice participants to receive education and training in high-demand, high-skilled career paths as they earn while learning.
Contact Chad Sutton at csutton@lbwcc.edu for more information about LBW apprenticeships or partnerships
Sutton stated that Dorsey Trailer is looking to encourage students to pursue a career and not just a job.
The post LFW, Dorsey Trailer partners in welding apprenticeship appeared originally on The AndalusiaStar-News.
