Apprenticeships
Gadsden State Community College and the Alabama Technology Network's center in Gadsden, in partnership with local industries, conduct apprenticeship programs for mold makers, machinists and tool & die makers. The apprenticeship programs are patterned after European models and are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Example curriculum for tool & die maker apprenticeship:
| Year One | Hours |
| Basic Blueprint Reading | 20 |
| Basic Machine Tool Operation 1 | 20 |
| Intermediate Blueprint Reading | 20 |
| Basic Machine Tool Operation II | 20 |
| Advanced Blueprint Reading | 30 |
| Machine Tool Applications I | 20 |
| Year Two | Hours |
| Inspection and Calibration | 10 |
| Machine Tool Applications II | 20 |
| Advanced Machine Tool Operation I | 10 |
| Advanced Machine Tool Operation II | 10 |
| Specialized Machines I | 20 |
| Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing | 50 |
| Advanced Machine Tool Operation III | 10 |
| Year Three | Hours |
| CNC I, with lab | 90 |
| Applied Use of Machinery Handbook | 50 |
| CAD I, with lab | 90 |
| Year Four | Hours |
| Quality Systems Analysis | 20 |
| Basic Die Making | 40 |
| Intermediate Die Making, with lab | 90 |
In addition to qualifying as a Journeyman, Gadsden State offers opportunities to earn NIMS credentials and to receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Machine Tool Technology at the same time. Hours spent in the classroom portion of the apprenticeship programs earn credits toward the two-year degree. The additional credit hours needed are:
| Classes | Hours |
| Machining Technology | 15 |
| Oral and Written Communications | 10 |
| Natural Science, Math, Computer Science | 15 |
| Social and Behavioral Science | 3-5 |
| Hummanities and Fine Arts | 3-5 |
For more details, contact Wes Ellis, Industry Relations Coordinator, Alabama Technology Network-Gadsden, 256-549-8164, wellis@atn.org.
