BALDWYN – APMM and the Baldwyn School District have partnered together to create the APMM and BCAC Work Program (ABWP).
In 2018 APMM hired on two of the BCAC Advanced Manufacturing students who were ages 17-18. The students worked multiple hours during summer break and after their school day ended. The success of this experience has led to the growing educational partnership ABWP.
“I think the Advanced Manufacturing class along with the teacher, Mr. Morgan Fisher, have been wonderful for not just my child but for any student that may think college isn’t their best option,” said Jill Archer, parent of Dustin Wildmon, BHS senior Advanced Manufacturing student. “Dustin has learned so much from the dojo experience in the classroom to prepare him for jobs such as APMM. Since Dustin is a senior, working at APMM through this work program has helped him really look into his future as to what adulthood is really all about. Most importantly, he has one foot in the door for future employment after high school.”
APMM has recently extended its employment opportunities to any student ages 17 or older who is enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing year one or two program at BCAC. Students who have received their safety and educational training from the Advanced Manufacturing class at BCAC can apply to work at APMM on an afternoon or early evening shift. Students will be compensated for their work hours and have the chance to further their career at APMM upon high school graduation.
“This growing partnership is just part of the process that we are trying to advance educational and career opportunities for all of our students. Everything we have done to grow and build this program has gotten us to this point. Students can now experience the workforce prior to graduation and enter the workforce upon high school graduation to enhance their opportunities to be successful in life,” Superintendent Jason McKay said.
The Advanced Manufacturing class currently includes students from Baldwyn, Booneville, Wheeler, and Saltillo schools that are enrolled in year one and year two programs. Students learn manufacturing safety along with basic manufacturing skills such as welding, electrical, robotics, tools, and more. They also have the opportunity to gain certifications for manufacturing work fields. The certifications are noted on the student’s NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) card when they achieve testing requirements.
“We are excited to be working with the students in the Baldwyn Career and Advancement Center,” said APMM General Manager Kim Crumbie. “We want to provide an opportunity for students to learn manufacturing that is geared toward production work, skilled maintenance or engineering. Not all high school students want to go to college when they graduate high school, and we want to show them there are opportunities available in or near their community that allows them to be successful.”
