Special to the Enquirer

The Calhoun Community College Technologies Division is now accepting applications for “earn while you learn” opportunities.

Approximately 60 applicants are selected each year to participate in this exclusive program. Any individual who is interested in getting paid while earning a degree at Calhoun should apply by 11:59 p.m. March 15, 2022.

John Holley, Calhoun dean of technologies, said the college has teamed up with several industry partners across north Alabama to provide students with this unique opportunity through its Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education, Excellence in Process Industrial Controls and Alliance for Machining Professionals programs.

These programs are designed to specifically provide job opportunities to individuals who desire to secure careers in the manufacturing or STEM industries.

Students learn skills in areas such as robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, motor controls, AC/DC machines, Programmable Logic Controllers and many others, including safety procedures and general education courses.

“We are proud to say these programs boast a 100 percent in-field job placement rate for their graduates,” said Holley. “Once the students receive their Associate of Applied Science degree in advanced manufacturing, they are also leaving with two years of industry experience as a result of working with our co-op companies and no school-related debt. You just can’t beat that.”

Upon acceptance and enrollment in the program, students are matched with sponsor companies and begin working during the summer before the fall semester begins.

Holley said starting wages are competitive, and students have the potential to receive performance-based raises and bonuses throughout the program.

Some of the sponsor companies are Boeing, Toyota, Nucor, Asahi Kasei, Brown Precision, GE Appliances, Mazda Toyota, Polaris, Remington, Shape Corp, Snap-on Tools, Sonoco and Westrock.

To learn more about the programs visit www.calhoun.edu/technologies. For more information on the program, contact Nathan Steele at nathan.steele@calhoun.edu or 256-306-4326.