CTC, MSCD and Pratt & Whitney Join Forces in Co-Op Program

Columbus Technical College, the Muscogee County School District and aircraft engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney, have partnered to offer high school students a solid career path. The program was recently presented to about a dozen high school students and their parents by representatives from the Muscogee School District, Columbus Technical College manufacturing and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology instructor Jason Gallahair and Pratt officials.

Columbus Technical College manufacturing/CNC technology instructor, Jason Gallahair.

The Muscogee County students are part of either the dual or open enrollment Certified Manufacturing Specialist program with CTC. As part of the co-op, the students will take part in an apprenticeship with the school system. Muscogee School District Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator, Tim Vinson, prepared the high school students for interviewing and serves as a mentor to ensure they complete the program.

There are a series of steps the students must take in order to possibly be employed full time with Pratt & Whitney. The students have been working with a mentor for 19 hours per week (earning $11.32/hour) since mid-January. The apprentices are learning what it's like to disassemble, clean, inspect, repair and replace jet engine assemblies. Skills learned while enrolled at Columbus Technical College include, but aren't limited to, mechanical knowledge (disassembly), measuring (inspection) and repair (CNC job specific set up and resurfacing of engine components).

To qualify, the students must be at least 18, pass drug and background screenings, have attained at least a silver Work Ready certification level, complete all course work and comply with all Pratt & Whitney rules. The part time employment concludes when the student finishes school in May. At that point, he or she will be able to apply for full time employment.

Manufacturing and CNC instructor Jason Gallahair said partnerships like these are vital to our community.

"An opportunity like this does not come to a new college student very often," Gallahair said. "These young people are fortunate to have this opportunity with Pratt & Whitney."

Gallahair went on to say how proud he is of his students and that "they have worked very hard and they represent a potentially bright future and a positive trend for the industrial trades in Columbus, Georgia."