Wallace State Community College students gain valuable insight, networking opportunities during inaugural Manufacturing Day
Students network with Scott Rainwater of AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company.
View pictures from MFG Day | https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallacestate/albums/72157719932945498
View a stream of the event | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iI5jY4D-PU
HANCEVILLE, ALA. – Wallace State Community College’s Center for Career and Workforce Development recently hosted an inaugural Manufacturing Day Industry Panel and Networking Event, providing students with the opportunity to gain insight from skilled technicians and manufacturing professionals.
A pair of panelists forums was among the highlights. One panelist was made up of skilled technicians and the second of manufacturing professionals.
A sampling of topics addressed during the forums included the immediate need for skilled workers; the change in industry over the years; employee expectations; effective work habits; safety at the workplace; the importance of earning a degree or certificate; and the need to develop leaders.
Alan Ballenger, Manufacturing Operations Manager at Dynetics, Inc., in Huntsville, expressed the willingness of his company to hire students from Wallace State’s programs and the importance of cultivating them to become long-term employees with the company. Ballenger is a Wallace State graduate himself.
Ryan Lamar, a Welding Maintenance Assistant Manager with YKTA in Madison, encouraged the students in attendance to be ambitious, take pride in the job, remain humble and take ownership.
Scott Rainwater, a General Plumber/HVAC/Pipefitter Foreman at AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company, emphasized how pivotal the current demand is for quality, skilled workers.
“There are fewer and fewer people pursuing a skilled trade, and there are so many opportunities available. If you have the ambition and desire to pursue a skilled trade, these companies are going to seek you out. You won’t be without a payday. Someone is going to be there to pick you up,” Rainwater said.
John Higginbotham, Operations Manager at Fontaine Trailer Company, was among those to discuss the importance of employee punctuality and dependability.
“We want an employee who shows up on time with a good work ethic and takes pride in their work. A strong work ethic goes a long way,” Higginbotham said.
Added Steve Colburn, Workforce Development Administrator for Mercedes-Benz International: “I consider soft skills to be hard success skills. They’re not soft. It takes teamwork, interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, being dependable and having integrity. We want employees who take pride and passion in what they’re doing at our facility.”
Audrey Webb, Project Director of ALAMAP for the Alabama Community College System, was the forum moderator.
Students in attendance also had the opportunity to network with employers at the event.
Employers at the event were Abaco Systems, American Cast Iron Pipe Company (ACIPCO), AMETEK, Athens State University, Bocar US, Inc., Commercial Metals Company (CMC Steel), Dynetics, Inc., Fontaine Trailer, GE Appliances, HomTex, Inc., LP Building Solutions, Mercedes-Benz, Sonoco Reels & Plugs, Orchid Orthopedic Solutions, and YKTA.
For more information about Wallace State’s Career and Workforce Development program, contact 256.352.8386.
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu
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