Cerrowire hosted local and state leaders in early June to highlight the impact TigerLaunch has had on its business in Hartselle. Industry leaders hope to use the Hartselle City Schools manufacturing career academy’s capstone course as a model for other workforce programs in the state.
Cerrowire, a copper wire manufacturer, has participated in TigerLaunch since 2018. Initially the company placed four students in production positions, but this year its number of participants grew to seven. Cerrowire has employed 20 students as a part of the “earn and learn” program.
TigerLaunch participants attend high school classes and work at least one 4-hour shift daily.
“In addition to earning a paycheck and getting individual hands-on training, our TigerLaunch students can also graduate from us having earned powerful resume-building college credits and important industry certifications,” said Jeff Hyche, Hartselle City Schools Career Tech director.
“We are glad state, education and industry leaders have chosen to visit Cerrowire to witness the benefits of TigerLaunch. Highlighting impactful programs like this helps people understand that, although college is a great path, there are other pathways to success in Alabama,” said Cerrowire President Stewart Smallwood.
Headquartered in Hartselle, Cerrowire has plants in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana and Utah, supplying building wire and cable throughout North America for commercial, industrial and residential use.
