Students in Snead State Community College’s Industrial Systems Technology Program filed into their classroom in the Technology Center on the rainy Tuesday, Feb. 10, as they have many times this semester. But this class was not an ordinary day of instruction. This day was more of a glimpse into what their futures could be.

Rodney Ellis, the Technical Education Liaison with Tyson Foods corporate office in Arkansas, shared with the 14 students about technical careers available within the company. Positions in Industrial Maintenance, Maintenance and Refrigeration, Robotics and others are available for the students to pursue based on their education and training at Snead State.

“It’s good for the students to see what prospects are out there for them. Not only can they choose well-paying careers, but they have chances for advancement within those careers. And many of these opportunities are obtainable for them with a two-year Associate degree,” said Career and Technical Division Director Greg Randall. “The students aren’t always aware of the occupations provided through our local industries, so we hope to bring in more speakers to open their eyes to new experiences.”

In addition to presenting career information, the representatives from Tyson Foods spent time talking individually with the students about possibilities for apprenticeships and training facilities. 

Tyson employs 122,000 members and produces one out of the five pounds of chicken, pork and beef in the U.S. Tyson is the second largest manufacturer of flour and corn tortillas and chips in the U.S. and is the leading protein provider to many national restaurant chains. Tyson Foods has plants in Albertville, Blountsville and Gadsden.

For more information on Snead State programs such as Industrial Systems Technology, contact Mr. Randall at (256) 840-4166 or grandall@snead.edu.