Welding Apprenticeship Now Offered with Dorsey Trailer in Elba, AL

In partnership with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA), LBW Community College announced a new welding apprenticeship with Dorsey Trailer, a more than 100-year-old industry in Elba, Ala.

"Today's event signified something very special when it comes to partnerships with the community," said LBW Director of Workforce, Chad Sutton.

"Dorsey Trailer's commitment to investing in our LBW students, their future workforce, as well as our community, is a model for every place of business.  Having an AOA Registered Welding Apprenticeship is an unbelievable resource for our students and community!"

This work-based learning program will allow students to use the skills they are developing in class as they work in an apprenticeship for one of our area's major manufacturing companies while gaining significant work-related experience directly tied to their education. Apprentices will have a pay scale that increases as competencies and related instruction goals are met, leading to a full-time position with Dorsey Trailer as the apprenticeship is completed.

"We've always wanted to reach out to the younger generation and try to build those employees to where they stay with us for a long period of time," Dorsey Vice President, Joseph Scott stated. "That's the thing that we're most excited about." 

Apprentices will have a unique opportunity to explore the entire plant and a variety of functions throughout their training.

"It's obvious by looking at Dorsey Trailer's commitment they are looking to engage students in a career, not just a job," Sutton added.

"Our registered apprenticeships impact our community and strengthen our economy by providing a trained and highly qualified workforce that meets the needs of our local employers," LBW President Dr. Brock Kelley said.

"This new partnership only strengthens our community and represents Dorsey Trailer's investment in our students as well as their willingness to create valuable new opportunities for them. Connecting our students to employment through high-quality work-based learning gives them the ability to earn money while they are learning and allows our employer partners to train within the company."

AOA Region 5 & 6 Project Manager Tawanna Robinson added, “The AOA is proud to partner with LBW and Dorsey Trailer with their new Welding Registered Apprenticeship Program. This program meets the needs of business and industry where they are, on the frontlines of workforce by providing opportunities for apprenticeship participants to receive debt-free education and training in a high demand, high-skill career pathways as they earn while they learn.” 

For information on LBW apprenticeships and partnerships, contact Chad Sutton at csutton@lbwcc.edu.