NATCHITOCHES – The third cohort of students who will participate in the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program were joined by their sponsoring manufacturers at a signing program at Central Louisiana Community Technical College – Natchitoches Campus Thursday.
Marvin Gistarb of Cloutierville, Malcom Phillips of Winnfield and Ethan Seiley of Glenmora signed with RoyOMartin. Jonah Chandler of Winnfield signed with Weyerhaeuser. Troy Davis of Shreveport signed with Alliance. Ory Coffman of Oak Hill, Colton Coker of Calvin, Jared Lucht of Pitkin, Keenan Smith of Coushatta and Kristy Willis of Leesville signed with Boise Cascade.
The AMT program is a partnership between Northwestern State University, CLTCC, Natchitoches Community Alliance and seven regional manufacturers who are members of GeauxFAME, the local chapter of Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME). Through the AMT program, students work as a paid employee in their sponsoring manufacturing facility three days per week and attend intensive classes at CLTCC two days per week with both CLTCC and NSU faculty. TOPS and TOPS Tech scholarships are applicable to tuition for the program.
Upon completion of the 2-1/2 year program, the students will hold a certificate from CLTCC and an associate degree in Industrial Engineering Technology from NSU, credits that will transfer into a bachelor’s degree program if the student chooses to pursue a four-year degree. In addition, completers graduate with leadership and communication skills, practical work experience and self-confidence.
“These students are the cream of the crop,” said Laurie Morrow, dean of CLTCC Natchitoches campus, explaining that the students met all admissions criteria plus a rigorous interview process to be accepted to the program.
NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio praised the partnerships between higher education and industry that makes the program possible
“Our collective vision was to prepare the next generation of manufacturing leaders in this region,” Maggio said, placing emphasis on partnerships, market-responsiveness and innovative thinking for the successful launch of the program. He also credited Natchitoches Community Alliance, NCA Director Tony Davis, GeauxFAME and faculty, administrators and recruiters from NSU and CLTCC.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a team,” CLTCC Chancellor Jimmy Sawtelle added.
Earlier this week, the first AMT class that began the program in 2017 was recognized for completing the program. Administrators hope to build next year’s cohort up to 20 students.
Information on the AMT program and an informational video are available at https://nca-la.com/workforce-ready/amt/.
