SPCC partners with Columbus McKinnon on apprenticeships

WADESBORO – South Piedmont Community College announced a new partnership with Columbus McKinnon Company, expanding its apprenticeship program through the placement of 10 new apprentices. This partnership was celebrated during a Signing Day ceremony on January 6th at South Piedmont’s Lockhart-Taylor Center in Wadesboro, NC.

Each apprentice will work at Columbus McKinnon Company through the program and earn a progressive wage starting at $17 per hour. While working, they will receive specialized job training at South Piedmont and complete the program with technical production certifications. “To create ten jobs in Anson County which start at $17 per hour, and increase to $21 per hour, is a huge opportunity for the community,” Dr. Maria Pharr, SPCC President, said. “South Piedmont is proud to partner with Columbus McKinnon, one of the county’s largest employers, to expand this program and are excited for our new apprentices.” The opportunity comes with full benefits and the apprenticeship participants have clear goals and timelines for how and when they advance through the program. New apprentice Janet Hardison shared her excitement for the program during the signing ceremony.

“I tried to [get hired] at Columbus McKinnon before… but couldn’t because of the competition,” Hardison said. “When I saw this opportunity, I knew I had to jump on it.”

Columbus McKinnon is a manufacturing company that creates hoists used in many different applications from sporting and entertainment arenas to vehicle manufacturing and even the U.S. Department of Defense. When asked about the importance of the partnership, Columbus McKinnon leaders highlighted the importance of South Piedmont in their business growth.

“We’re investing in our facilities and equipment but also our number one asset: our people,” Evan Archer, Director of Plant Operations, said. “Through our partnership with SPCC, we are investing in the future of this company and of Wadesboro by creating this program.”

However, the program’s impact will be felt outside of South Piedmont and Columbus McKinnon. The President and CEO of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, Shelby Emrich, discussed the continued push for workforce development in the county and South Piedmont’s role to play in that effort.

“This is a great day for Anson County. Having enough workforce is a big issue for the county, but big things can happen when we work together,” Emrich said. “Partnerships work and I want Columbus McKinnon to be the example to all of our industries in the county.”

To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities at South Piedmont, contact the Director of Apprenticeships, Russell Carpenter, by email at rcarpenter@spcc.edu or by phone at 704-290-5892.

South Piedmont Community College provides higher education, workforce development and public safety training in Union and Anson Counties. To learn more about SPCC, visit spcc.edu.