Advanced manufacturing technicians use innovative technologies to produce high-quality products and supplies for a variety of industries. Individuals who train for the technical skills needed in today’s manufacturing environment will find a diverse selection of career paths.

An apprenticeship program is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where an individual can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, mentorship, and a portable and nationally-recognized credential. As an apprentice, you will “earn as you learn,” working full-time at an employer company and attending class two nights a week at a local community college.

Join a Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program

At this time, there are no available apprenticeship positions. However, pre-apprenticeships are a great way to help you prepare to enter and succeed in an apprenticeship program! A pre-apprenticeship program increases your knowledge of manufacturing concepts and skills and gives you an even better chance of being selected as a future apprentice. This year’s pre-apprenticeship programs will begin in August 2020 and pre-apprentices will be eligible to apply for available apprenticeships in 2021.

If you are interested in joining a manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program, please click here.

You can choose from four pre-apprenticeships: Central Six Industrial Maintenance Program, Lawson State Machine Tool Technology program, Lawson State Welding Technology program, or the Jefferson State Welding Technology program.

How do I Participate in a Pre-Apprenticeship Program?

To participate in any of the above manufacturing pre-apprenticeship programs, you will need to apply and be accepted as a student at either Jefferson State Community College or Lawson State Community College. If you are currently not a student in one of these programs and wish to participate in a pre-apprenticeship program, please visit the college websites below to learn more about their programs and apply.

Jefferson State Community College – Jefferson Campus

• • 2601 Carson Road, Birmingham, AL 35215
  • Offers: Industrial Maintenance and Welding Technology

Lawson State Community College – Bessemer Campus

• • 1100 9^th Ave SW, Bessemer, AL 35022
  • Offers: Industrial Maintenance, Machine Tool Technology, and Welding Technology

**Note: If you do not participate in the pre-apprenticeship and apply directly for an open apprenticeship position in Summer 2021, you will need to be accepted into one of these colleges to be eligible for the apprenticeship program. **

How to Pay for Your Pre-Apprenticeship Training

There is funding available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) to help you pay for the pre-apprenticeship training of your choice.

For FASFA, visit their website for information about what you need to apply and the process for doing so. Click here to submit an application.

For WIOA, complete the Alabama Workforce Development Customer Information Form and call or visit your local Career Center to discuss the next steps. We suggest downloading and completing the WIOA eligibility form prior to visiting the career center: WIOA Eligibility Form Download

The Career Center offices in the Birmingham area are as follows:

• Alabaster: 109 Plaza Circle, Alabaster, AL 35007; Phone: (205) 663-2542
• Birmingham: 3216 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222; Phone: (205) 582-5200
• Pell City: 311 Miles Parkway, Pell City, AL; Phone: (205) 388-5440
• Jasper: 2604 Viking Drive, Jasper, AL 35501; Phone: (205) 221-2576
• Blountsville: 68644 Main Street, Suite 5, Blountsville, AL 35031; Phone: 205-429-4311

Already Have Experience in Welding, Machining, or Industrial Maintenance?

Please fill out our job seeker profile form here.

Please reach out to Morgan Bell, Workforce Program Specialist, at (205) 719-3224 or [email protected] with any questions about the pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship programs.