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 |
For more details, contact Wes Ellis, Industry Relations Coordinator, Alabama Technology Network-Gadsden, 256-549-8164, wellis@atn.org.
