16 August 2006

High Schoolers Receive Hands-On Training at Wallace State

Wallace State Auto Body Repair instructor Tim Grace supervises Devin Fennell of Huntsville (left) and Chad Gore of Hanceville.

HANCEVILLE, AL-- Twenty-five high school students recently got a taste of the latest manufacturing technology at Wallace State Community College as part of the Try the Training, Touch the Technology (T4) program.

   The program was made possible through a grant from the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education to establish a pilot high school summer program that would introduce students to careers in technical and manufacturing-related fields.

   The three-week T4 program is designed to provide college-level occupational training experiences in high demand and highly technical training areas. The program marked the beginning of the process of recruiting intelligent, technically oriented high school students for careers in the manufacturing and manufacturing-related occupations in the state of Alabama.

   “High school juniors and seniors are often unsure of the career path that is best suited for their personal interests, academic preparation, and job market opportunities,” said Wallace State Interim Dean of Workforce Education Ron Moon. “This program allows no-risk career exploration prior to college entry and reduces the college adjustment period by providing exposure to college-level work and to college life.”

Matthew Dunaway of Fairview uses a plasma cutter in the Wallace State Auto Body Repair department. Dunaway attends Holly Pond High School and the Cullman Area Career Center.

   The T4 participants progressed through five instructional areas: electronic technology, which included robotics, process control, and programmable logic controls (PLCs); machine tool technology and computer numerical control (CNC); drafting and design technology, which included blueprint reading for machinists; welding technology, which included robotic welding, submerged arc welding and plasma arc cutting; and auto mechanics/auto body repair.

   In each technical area, participants went through a basic orientation to the occupational area prior to learning from hands-on instruction with high-end applications of the technology involved.

   Auto Body Repair instructor Tim Grace encouraged the students to be sincere about their future plans and to find a career they will enjoy. “Make sure you pursue a college education,” said Grace. “An education will enable you to make a better life for yourself and your family.”

   The Auto Body Repair course found participants working on estimating, spot welding, dent repair, sanding, and using a plasma cutter. Current students in the program provided assistance and shared their experiences with the T4 participants.

   In addition to the hands-on learning, participants also visited the Honda assembly plant in Lincoln and local Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive manufacturers and suppliers REHAU Automotive and Topre America in Cullman.

   Additionally, the T4 students completed an orientation course required of all incoming freshmen at Wallace State Community College. The one credit hour course will be transcripted to each T4 student’s record at Wallace State.

   “As a result of this program, the T4 students will be prepared to make informed career and education decisions based on personal talents, interests, and relevant hands-on training,” Moon said.

   “We also hope to see a high percentage of participants enroll in technical programs after high school graduation,” he said.

   For more information on technical programs at Wallace State, contact the Office of Student Recruiting at 256/352-8031 or visit www.wallacestate.edu. Registration for fall semester continues through August 24. Classes begin August 18.

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  Kristen Holmes
  Director, Communications and Marketing
  Wallace State Community College
  P.O. Box 2000
  Hanceville, AL 35077
  256/352-8181
  E-mail: Kristen.Holmes@WallaceState.edu