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

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