Plumbers, mechanics and industrial maintenance technicians are highly skilled trade positions that are in great demand globally. However, in recent years, many of these positions have gone unfilled. This is partly due to school and college leavers not having the on-site practical experience that prepares them for the world of work.
One programme set up by Chemring Countermeasures USA (CCM USA) aims to build that experience into the learning process. Partnering with Jackson State Community College, students can become a member of their Advanced Maintenance Technician (AMT) programme.
The AMT programme is a two-year engagement where students learn to troubleshoot and maintain equipment in industrial settings. The students spend two days per week in a classroom environment and three days per week with the maintenance department of a local industry partner.
“It’s a great programme,” said Dave, CCM USA’s Training & Development Specialist. “It allows students to get a degree, real-world industrial experience, and they get paid good money to boot.”
Seth first heard about the AMT programme through his high school and was immediately interested. “I have always loved building things and learning how they work,” Seth says. “It’s a unique programme, and everyone’s story is different. You have one person that works in aircraft, one person that makes flares, like me. When I am done, I will have two years of experience and an associate’s degree.”