Snead State Community College held its first Apprenticeship Signing on Friday, Dec. 10, for students entering into the College’s apprenticeship program.

Snead State’s Registered Apprenticeship Program is business driven, combining on-the-job learning with related technical instruction through the classes offered at the College. The program also includes a national occupational credential from the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship.

Two students, James Brown and Kevin Franco, both of Boaz, signed apprenticeship agreements to work with AlaTrade Foods in Albertville, the first company to partner with Snead State for the apprenticeship program.

“We were very excited to offer our first apprenticeships. We appreciate the management of AlaTrade Foods and the Alabama Office of Apprenticeships for working with Snead State on this process,” said Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore.

To be eligible for the apprenticeship program, students must enroll into the College with a major in Industrial Systems Technology. They can apply for the program, and they will be notified when partner companies have job vacancies. Once hired by the company as an apprentice, the student will attend college while working in the industrial systems field.

“Snead State is very excited to offer students the opportunity to earn a college degree while working in their specific field of study. Our new apprenticeship program will pave the way in linking business and industry with highly skilled career employees,” said Director of Career and Technical Programs Dr. Greg Randall.

“Apprenticeships with our partner companies and the Industrial Systems Technology students will assist with filling the skills gap for industrial systems technicians,” said Director of Workforce Development Teresa Walker. “We would like to thank AlaTrade for their partnership and their leadership team for all their hard work in bringing this together. Congratulations to James Brown and Kevin Franco for achieving this milestone in their career. We also would like to thank Michael Bridier and the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship for all of their help.”

For more information about the Registered Apprenticeship Program, contact Dr. Randall at grandall@snead.edu or (256) 840-4166 or Ms. Walker at twalker@snead.edu or (256) 840-4211.