Y-12 machinists complete classroom portion of apprenticeship program at Pellissippi State

Ten employees of Y-12 National Security Complex have completed three years of classroom training at Pellissippi State Community College as part of the second class of an apprenticeship program that grows talent from within Y-12.

The students Russell Rusty Chambers, Charles Clinton, Ashley Dawson, Billy Farr, James Fielden, Randy Fields, Douglas Hamby and David Trexler received classroom instruction and hands-on training at Pellissippi State on topics related to an advanced technological workplace.

As part of their classroom instruction, the apprentices built and donated an information kiosk to Norris Dam State Park and a trailer to Marble Springs State Historic Site.

The apprenticeship program at Y-12 is paying CNS back in taking our employees and helping them grow their skills, as well as allowing them to work alongside our journey workers picking up on the tools of the trade, said Beth Green, senior staff to the director of infrastructure at Y-12.

The apprenticeship program is a four-year investment: The apprentices still must complete a yearlong internship at Y-12 in order to finish the program.

Ashley Dawson, the only female machinist in this group of apprentices, said, This is a big deal for me because its out of my realm of comfort. My bachelors degree is in business and finance, so this gives me the opportunity to change that and go more mechanical.

The program allows students the opportunity to earn substantial credit hours toward an Associate of Applied Science degree, plus the opportunity to finish additional coursework, including 15 credit hours of general education courses required to complete a degree in Engineering Technology in a concentration of the students choice.

Pellissippi States Engineering Technology faculty and Business and Community Services division developed the curriculum for the program. BCS works with employers to create customized training and development solutions. For more information, visit www.pstcc.edu/bcs or call 865-539-7167.