Information session draws 22 candidates for 8 pilot positions
MAY 6, 2014: Hinesville — Several Liberty County seniors seized the opportunity Monday to learn about local manufacturing careers and a pilot apprenticeship program that will debut in August.
Representatives from Elan Technology, Firth Rixson Forgings, Interstate Resources, SNF Holding Company, Savannah Technical College and Liberty College and Career Academy CEO Tom Alexander provided an overview of the two-year program during the Liberty County Manufacturing Collaboration Apprenticeship Kickoff.
Liberty County High School senior Dennis Bustillo was among 22 students from Liberty and Bradwell Institute who attended the event at the Liberty College and Career Academy.
“I took aircraft maintenance, and I am very interested in one of the companies that makes aircraft parts for Rolls Royce,” Bustillo said. “That’s big. Great people who are very successful use those materials, and if I’m part of that organization, I know those people are using something I made — that’s wonderful. When you’re proud of your product, you’re proud of your job.”
In addition to hearing about aerospace manufacturer Firth Rixson, attendees also learned about SNF Holding Company’s manufacturing of water-soluble polymers for treatment and Interstate Resources’ kraft linerboard manufacturing with a variety of materials. They also saw glass and ceramic electronics components manufactured by Elan Technology.
During their first year, apprentices will earn $10 per hour working 20 hours per week on a three-month industry rotation while completing Savannah Technical College coursework toward an Associate of Applied Science degree with a specialization in Manufacturing Technology.
Apprentices will continue their coursework into the second year while they focus with a single employer. Upon completion of the program, apprentices are guaranteed interviews with two of the four participating companies.
“Twenty years from now, the people we’re hiring today hopefully will have grown in their careers and will have legacy knowledge with us,” Firth Rixson Human Resources Director Dennis Creekmore told prospective candidates.
“These manufacturers are investing in you,” added Kevin Werntz, Vice President of Economic Development at Savannah Technical College. “They want to give you an opportunity so you can stay here in Liberty County and not only have a job, but have a viable and successful career.”
Though the program is in its pilot year, employers intend for it to grow.
Underclassmen interested in future consideration for the program should enroll in the Certified Manufacturing Specialist pathway offered through the Liberty College and Career Academy. Savannah Technical College also will provide a Certified Manufacturing Specialist course from June 2-July 24. More information is available at www.lc-mc.com.