Latest news with #GadsdenStateCommunityCollege
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Gadsden State signs second cohort for machining apprenticeship program
GADSDEN — Gadsden State Community College hosted a signing event May 15 to welcome 15 students into the second cohort of the Consortium of Machining Education Training, or CoMeT, a hybrid apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with paid work experience. The program, launched in 2023, was developed by Gadsden State employees to meet growing workforce demands in the machining industry. Students in the CoMeT program attend classes two days a week and work with industry partners three days a week. Participants are paid at least $15 per hour throughout the five-semester program and will graduate with an Associate in Applied Science in Precision Machining. 'CoMeT Signing Day is a celebration of students taking their first steps into careers that matter,' said Andy Robertson, dean of Workforce Development. 'Our industry partners are investing in the future of advanced manufacturing. This program bridges education and employment in a powerful way.' The signing event was held at the Beck Conference Center at Wallace Drive Campus in Gadsden. 'With CoMeT, our precision machining students gain hands-on experience while completing their education,' Robertson said. 'It's more than a job. It's a launchpad into a skilled and essential career and Signing Day marks the beginning of that journey.' CoMeT is offered at the Precision Machining Building on the Ayers Campus and in the Advanced Manufacturing Center on the East Broad Campus. Instructors Daniel Anderson and Peyton Amberson oversee the program, which includes 1,776 hours of work-based learning and five major projects. The 15 students signed with 11 industry partners: — Carmin Industries – Matthew Usry of Gadsden — Gadsden Tool Inc. – William Bryan of Sardis — Honda Manufacturing of Alabama – Ciandra Lebel of Gadsden and James Solley of Lincoln — Kobay South – Andrew Amos of Hokes Bluff and Destiny Griffey of Anniston — M&H Valve – Dashawn Kirby-Barnes of Weaver and Kendal McCants of Gadsden — Parker Hannifin – Cashus Hannah of Hokes Bluff — Prince Metal – Cody Campbell of Boaz and Riley Venable of Birmingham — Soteria – Tristian Page of Wellington — Stamped Products – William Houser of Boaz — Unipres – Gabriel Williams of Anniston More information about the program is available at
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gadsden State offers state's only civil engineering tech program among community colleges
GADSDEN — Gadsden State Community College is the only community college in Alabama offering a Civil Engineering Technology Program. The program aims to provide hands-on training in design, surveying and infrastructure inspection, according to a news release. 'The Civil Engineering Technology Program is perfect for students who want to go straight into the workforce or transfer to a four-year university,' said instructor Marshall Bailey. 'We focus on the training and skills that employers are looking for right now.' Housed on the East Broad Campus in Gadsden, the program prepares students for careers in AutoCAD design, surveying and construction applications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, civil engineering technologists and technicians with an associate degree earn a median annual salary of $60,700. Students can pursue an Associate in Applied Science degree, which includes 15 general education credit hours and 61 technical hours. The college also offers a certificate option with 44 credit hours and a short-term certificate requiring 26 hours focused entirely on technical instruction. 'Our graduates are well-prepared for positions like field survey technicians, CAD technicians and construction inspectors,' Bailey said. 'Or, they can transfer to a bachelor's degree program in civil engineering.' Bailey, a summa cum laude graduate of the same program he now leads, joined the Gadsden State faculty in 2019. Since then, he has helped grow enrollment by more than 150 percent. 'Gadsden State gave me the foundation I needed academically and professionally,' he said. 'The faculty believed in me and gave me the skills I use every day in my career. Now, I have the honor of doing the same for my students.' The program is also open to high school students through Gadsden State's dual enrollment program. Eligible students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, be a sophomore, junior or senior and receive approval from a school counselor or administrator. 'Dual enrollment is a fantastic opportunity for students to get a head start on a meaningful, high-paying career,' Bailey said. 'We're seeing more high school students take advantage of this program every year.' Bailey encourages students interested in high-demand technical careers to consider the program. 'This is a smart first step for students who are hands-on learners and want a career that makes a real-world impact,' he said. 'Civil engineering touches every part of our daily lives, from roads and bridges to buildings and utilities. If you want to help build the future, be a civil engineer.' More information about the program is available at Details about the dual enrollment program can be found at
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gadsden State's veterans program relocates to improved space
GADSDEN — The Veterans Upward Bound program at Gadsden State Community College has moved to a larger, more accessible location in the basement of Naylor Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus in Gadsden. The program, previously located in Beck Field House, now occupies a space designed to better serve veterans' unique needs. "The improvements represent our commitment to providing the best possible support to our veterans," said Sarah Aultman, director of Veterans Upward Bound. "After all, our goal is to assist veterans in a seamless transition from military service to civilian life." Veterans Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program dedicated to helping veterans achieve academic and career goals. The program provides free services such as assistance with educational benefits, academic preparation, computer skills training, financial management education and help with enrolling at the college or university of their choice. "There are a wide variety of free services provided to those who bravely served our country," Aultman said. "Eligible veterans also have the opportunity to receive a monthly stipend by participating in educational activities through the VUB program." The new VUB office, formerly home to the Alabama Language Institute, has undergone several updates to improve accessibility and functionality. These include a resurfaced ADA-accessible ramp at the main entrance, renovated accessible bathrooms and designated "Veterans Only" parking spaces behind Naylor Hall near the office entrance. The updated space also features a computer lab, a quiet study area and a meeting room for collaboration with community partners. "The new space is not only more accessible, but it also creates a better environment for veterans to focus on their studies, access resources and connect with important community and college partners," Aultman said. "We want to ensure that our veterans have the resources they need to succeed." In addition to the physical improvements, the VUB program is expanding its online Veterans Resource Guide. This comprehensive guide provides information on education, housing, legal services and mental health support for veterans and community members. "We encounter so many wonderful organizations and resources in our work," Aultman said. "This expanded guide is a central place where veterans and community members can easily access information related to the needs they might have. We hope this will empower our veterans to succeed and build stronger connections with positive resources." For more information about Veterans Upward Bound or to access the Veterans Resource Guide, visit
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gadsden State names new dean of workforce development
Andy Robertson of Sand Rock has been appointed the new dean of workforce development at Gadsden State Community College, replacing Alan Smith, who recently moved into the role of vice president for capital projects, community relations and workforce development. 'Andy is a dedicated educator and passionate advocate for career technical education,' Smith said. 'He has excelled in his previous positions at Gadsden State and brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is well poised to lead the College's efforts in technical training and workforce development.' A 2003 graduate of Gadsden State, Robertson earned an Associate in Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology. He credits his two-year degree with helping him achieve success in his career. 'I am where I am today thanks to my two-year degree from Gadsden State,' Robertson said. 'I am proof of the direct impact the hands-on education can have on people's lives.' Robertson later earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Jacksonville State University in 2013 and a Master of Science in Education from Athens State University in 2024. He began his career at Gadsden State in 2015 as an instructor of Electronic Engineering Technology at Gadsden State's Ayers Campus in Anniston. Prior to that, Robertson worked for five years as a service engineer and briefly taught in the Pell City school system. Robertson became the college's workforce development coordinator in 2020 and also served as the division chair of Applied and Engineering Technologies at the Ayers Campus. During his tenure at Gadsden State, Robertson helped develop two apprenticeship-style programs: the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education and the Consortium of Machining Education Training. Both initiatives provide students with hands-on experience in partnership with industry leaders. He has also expanded the college's offerings by introducing several short-term certificate programs, including Additive Manufacturing and Mechatronics Advanced Automation. As dean, Robertson will oversee the Workforce Development Division, which includes specialized training, certifications and skill development for local industries. He will also manage the Skills Training Division, adult education and continuing education. 'I'm incredibly excited to take on this new role and continue the great work we've started in workforce development,' Robertson said. 'My passion for workforce development and career technical education comes from firsthand experience with the transformative power of skilled trades and education. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been seeing students complete a workforce program and immediately secure a job that provides stability and a path to success.' Robertson said that a technical education benefits more than just individual students. 'They strengthen families, businesses and entire communities,' he said. 'Seeing someone build a better future for themselves and their family is what makes this work so meaningful to me.' Looking ahead, Robertson aims to make Gadsden State a premier hub for workforce training in the region. He plans to align programs more closely with local industry needs and expand opportunities for apprenticeships, internships, and co-op placements to provide students with real-world training in high-demand fields. 'The role of Gadsden State's workforce development programs is crucial in meeting the needs of local industries and businesses,' Robertson said. 'We provide industry-specific training that ensures students are equipped with relevant skills to thrive in today's job market. By strengthening our connections with local employers, we can build a skilled workforce that drives economic growth in the region.' Robertson is also focused on overcoming regional workforce development challenges, such as skills gaps, labor shortages, and access to training. He plans to expand flexible learning options, including evening and online courses, to make workforce training more accessible. 'I plan to expand flexible learning options like evening and online courses to make workforce training more accessible to a wider audience,' he said. 'We will continue working closely with employers to identify skill gaps and develop targeted programs to bridge them, ensuring that students graduate with the skills employers are looking for.' Robertson's contributions to Gadsden State have been recognized with several accolades, including the Chancellor's Award for Administration in 2024 and the Eugene Prater Exceptional Achievement in Teaching Award in 2019. He is a graduate of the Faculty Development Institute, the Gadsden State Leadership Academy and Leadership Calhoun County. In July 2024, Business Alabama magazine featured Robertson in its 'Movers and Shapers' spotlight. Now, as dean, Robertson hopes to further elevate the college's reputation through partnerships and workforce development initiatives. 'By partnering with Gadsden State, businesses can create a skilled talent pipeline, upskill and retain existing employees and help strengthen the local economy,' he said. 'Let's work together to build the workforce of tomorrow, today.'
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gadsden State Community College hosting preview days for prospective students
GADSDEN, Ala. (WIAT) — Gadsden State Community College is inviting prospective students to attend one of their four upcoming Preview Days. During these Preview Days, prospective students can take guided campus tours to learn more about the variety of programs offered by Gadsden State. A panel of current students will also be available to answer prospective students' questions. 'Parents are encouraged to attend with their students,' said Andy Green, dean of Student Services. 'Preview Day is an opportunity for our communities to see what it truly means to join the Cardinal family while taking the first steps towards an educational journey at Gadsden State.' Green added that the Preview Days are designed to give prospective students the chance to connect with faculty, staff and current students, and to decide if Gadsden State is the right fit for them. Kimberly Farr announces candidacy for Trussville City Council Here are the dates that preview days will be hosted at each campus: Ayers Campus — March 3 from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. East Broad Campus — April 3 from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Wallace Drive Campus — April 3 from 9. a.m.- 12 p.m. Valley Street Campus — April 9 from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. Gadsden State Cherokee Campus — April 14 from 9- 11 a.m. The April 3 Preview Day for the East Broad and Wallace Drive campuses will offer additional activities for those who attend. From 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., prospective students will be invited to visit the Cardinal Café to eat lunch with current students. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., they can also visit the East Broad Campus' One Stop Center to shop at the bookstore and get assistance with their FAFSA application. Popcorn and drinks will also be provided to attendees. Prospective students are also invited to watch the Gadsden State softball team play against Northeast Alabama Community College. There will be two games at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on April 3. More information on Gadsden State's Preview Days, as well as registration, can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
