Wallace State Community College’s Center for Career and Workforce Development has partnered with ACTION Resources on a truck mechanic registered apprenticeship program, registered by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship.
ACTION Resources, with facilities in Hanceville, Birmingham and Mobile, is a specialized freight transportation provider, shipping bulk chemicals and hazardous waste, among other heavy haul cargo across the country.
In the new program, each year ACTION will select students from the Wallace State Diesel Technology program to serve as apprentices at the firm.
“This partnership is a huge opportunity for us as an employer, given the current market for technicians. There’s a shortage for technicians and skilled trades right now, and it’s imperative to get people engaged while they’re in college and invested in the trade,” said Mike Schramm, director of maintenance for ACTION Resources.
Wallace State recently launched a Diesel by Distance program, and this truck mechanic apprenticeship will allow students to earn and learn through the Diesel by Distance method. The Diesel by Distance program provides online instruction complemented by virtual reality labs and periodic competency demonstrations on campus, scheduled at the student’s convenience, such as on weekends or evenings. The program allows students to earn an associate in applied science degree or pursue multiple certifications in preventative maintenance, diesel engine specialist, transportation trailer technician or heavy utility vehicle specialist.
“This apprenticeship guarantees training on the job, as well as college training at our facility. This program is here to produce employable and skilled workers. Our industry partners know they can count on Wallace State to fill technician needs,” said Jeremy Smith, Wallace State’s diesel technology department chair.
Multiple employers are in the process of signing up to join the truck mechanic registered apprenticeship coalition, which will provide additional opportunities for students.
