Snead State Community College expanded its partnership with Atrion Medical to meet a need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atrion contacted SSCC’s Industrial Systems Technology Department to request qualified students to serve as system technicians. Alejandro Gomez of Albertville was chosen to fill the skill gap for Atrion Medical during this challenging time.

Atrion Medical developed manufacturing processes to fabricate face shields for workers who are currently on the front lines of the pandemic. The face shields were donated to hospitals, doctor’s offices, grocery stores, local utilities, and some restaurants. The equipment associated with the face shield production process requires employees with a technical background for maintenance, troubleshooting and setup purposes. 

“Alejandro is industrious, has a strong interest in learning and the ability to catch on quickly. We happy to have him as an employee of Atrion Medical,” said Sandra Bales, Atrion’s Manager of Human Resources. 

Alejandro began working at Atrion Medical as a temporary employee but transitioned to full time employment on Aug. 10 working in the Facilities Maintenance Department as a Maintenance Technician Apprentice. He continues to train with Atrion Medical’s Journeyman Maintenance Technicians while attending Snead State, with the goal of graduating in May 2021 with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems Technology. 

“Alejandro has been an exceptional leader in the classroom, and I am glad he was given the career opportunity with the wonderful folks at Atrion,” said Greg Randall, Division Director of Technology and Executive Project Director of Workforce Enhancement for Snead State.

Snead State also provides Ready to Work and Certified Production Technician training opportunities for Atrion Medical, which assist with employee retention and filling the skills gap on the production floor.