Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College celebrated the launch of its Consortium of Machining Education Training (CoMeT) with a signing event for its first cohort of students. The event took place at the Beck Conference Center on the Wallace Drive Campus, marking the beginning of an innovative hybrid work-based apprenticeship program designed to help students “earn while they learn.”
Alan Smith, Dean of Workforce Development, explained that the CoMeT program was created in 2023 to meet the growing needs of the machining industry. “Gadsden State is teaming up with companies that need us to provide training to students who will enter their workforce,” Smith said. “We are creating a pipeline of skilled, highly trained precision machinists who will be excellent employees.”
During the event, seven industry partners signed 13 students and one alternate into the program. The CoMeT program structure involves students attending classes at Gadsden State two days a week and working with industry partners for three days a week. This model aims to balance academic learning with practical work experience, allowing students to integrate both aspects effectively.
“It’s not easy going to school and working at the same time,” Smith noted. “This program allows students to manage both responsibilities while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”
Students enrolled in the CoMeT program will receive at least $15 per hour from their employers over the course of five semesters. Andy Robertson, Workforce Development Coordinator, encouraged the students by emphasizing their future earning potential. “This will be the least amount of money you will ever make for the rest of your life,” Robertson said. “Your salary will increase as you gain experience and progress in your career.”
Upon completion, graduates will earn an Associate in Applied Science in Precision Machining and can expect to start their careers with a salary of at least $50,000 annually, thanks to their valuable credential and two years of industry-verified experience. Smith expressed confidence in the program’s effectiveness. “Our graduates will be head-and-shoulders above everyone else,” he said.
The CoMeT program will be conducted in the Precision Machining Building on the Ayers Campus and the new Advanced Manufacturing Center on the East Broad Campus. Instructors Daniel Anderson and Peyton Amberson will oversee the students’ progress, including their completion of 1,776 hours of work-based learning and five projects.
Robertson praised the instructors for their crucial role in the program. “They are instrumental in the growth of our students and the growth of our program,” he said.
Smith concluded the event with words of encouragement for the students. “If you study and work hard, you will make it through CoMeT with flying colors,” he said. “Find whatever it takes to finish this program and move on to a successful career.”
The participating students and their respective industry partners include:
- Gadsden Tool Inc.: Jonathan Laughlin of Wilsonville and Tyree Street of Anniston
- General Dynamics: Champton Goss of Centre, Dalton Johnson of Pisgah, and Jakarian Jackson of Anniston
- GH Metal Solutions: Kendra Perego of Valley Head
- Lee Brass: Derrick Montgomery and Jacauri Whitfield, both of Anniston
- Prince Metal Stamping: Eric Danini of Attalla and Tytan Rich of Rainbow City
- Stamped Products: Dillon Owens of Boaz and Lucas Renfrow of Attalla
- XYZ Controls: Matthew Williams of Glencoe
- Alternate: Daronte Collins of Anniston
For more information about the CoMeT program, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/comet.
