SSCC engineering co-ops pair students, businesses

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Southern State Community College’s new co-op tracks in Computer Assisted Design (CAD), Electrical/Electronics Technology and Electro-Mechanical Engineering pair students with local business partners in an alternating rotation of learning and working.

To better explain the co-op tracks, as well as all of SSCC’s engineering programs, an Engineering Info Session will be held for prospective students and business partners from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at the college’s Brown County Campus, 351 Brooks Malott Road, Mt. Orab.

Students in Southern State’s engineering programs have the option of choosing between two pathways toward degree completion. The direct track (applicable for all engineering degrees) is designed to be completed in three semesters and includes only classroom work. The co-op track (applicable for the Computer Assisted Design CAD, Electrical/Electronics Technology and Electro-Mechanical Engineering degrees) is designed to be completed in six semesters broken up into three classroom semesters and three work semesters.

Students who choose to apply for the co-op tracks can expect to follow a timeline that includes:

• Meeting with SSCC’s Jim Barnett or Amy McClellan prior to beginning the program in the fall;

• Attending a career success workshop which includes a mock interview;

• Interviewing for a work position with a partner business; and

• If selected, alternating between 16 weeks learning in the classroom and then 16 weeks working with the business partner, for three rotations.

“Students who take advantage of the co-op and internship opportunities available through SSCC and our partners are able to put classroom knowledge to use in real world situations,” said Jim Barnett, SSCC full-time engineering faculty. “This experience allows the students to experience the material, not just read about it. Students return to class and answer questions with confidence since they have actually seen the science in action.”

The co-op tracks are offered in collaboration with leading local employers – currently Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services, Candle-Lite Company, C-Mold, and GE Aviation’s Peebles Test Operation.

“On behalf of Southern State, we are honored to have partnered with some of our area’s most coveted employers to create cooperative work experience for our students,” said Dr. Nicole Roades, SSCC vice president of academic affairs. “This requires commitment from both entities and we couldn’t be more pleased with the positive outcomes we are all experiencing as a result of this collaboration. Our deepest appreciation is extended to these employers for recognizing the value in this exercise and working with us to create a quality hands-on experience for students in the engineering field.”

The co-op program for the 2015-16 academic year was centered on students in the Electrical/Electronics Technology engineering program. This fall, students in Electro-Mechanical Engineering and Computer Assisted Design (CAD) will also have a co-op option.

“Our partnerships with area businesses continue to grow, which allows for more opportunities for students to learn real world experiences in their field of study,” said Amy McClellan, SSCC internship and co-op coordinator. “Having served in an internship while I was in college, I know the value of these experiences from both a student and employer perspective. The sustainability of this program will help the regional companies establish a skilled pipeline and provide valuable experience for our students.”

SSCC student Zachary Reid, who is participating in the co-op track with GE Aviation’s Peebles Test Operation, said: “This co-op benefited me by giving me the opportunity to learn various skills and knowledge I wouldn’t have learned elsewhere. It also gave me the motivation to complete my degree. To anyone considering the co-op track, I would say to try it because you could have the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Apart from the benefits offered to students, the co-op program proves valuable to employees by providing a pipeline of skilled employees and helping establish professionalism among the students that aligns with company culture.

“General Electric has had a long history of partnering with Universities and Colleges to provide co-op and internship opportunities for students throughout the year,” said Eric Woolf, GE Aviation Peebles employee HR manager. “The inaugural co-op program with Southern State Community College allows for selected co-ops to learn skills that will be make them competitive in the workforce by learning at GE Aviation’s Peebles Test Operations Site as well as bringing some of the latest learnings form the classroom into the workplace.”

For more information about the Engineering Info Session on July 28, or to learn more about co-op and internship opportunities at Southern State, contact McClellan at 800-628-7722, ext. 2785, or [email protected].

Submitted by Kris Cross, Southern State director of public relations.

Participating in a partnership which pairs SSCC students with local business partners are (l-r) Jeff Montgomery, SSCC dean of yechnical studies; Dane Clark, GE; Terry Craig, GE; Brian De Bruin, GE Peebles plant manager; Zachary Reid, SSCC co-op student; Robert Scott, SSCC co-op student; Eric Woolf, GE Peebles human resources manager; and Jim Barnett, SSCC engineering faculty.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2016/06/web1_Engineering-pic.jpgParticipating in a partnership which pairs SSCC students with local business partners are (l-r) Jeff Montgomery, SSCC dean of yechnical studies; Dane Clark, GE; Terry Craig, GE; Brian De Bruin, GE Peebles plant manager; Zachary Reid, SSCC co-op student; Robert Scott, SSCC co-op student; Eric Woolf, GE Peebles human resources manager; and Jim Barnett, SSCC engineering faculty.
Information session on July 28 at Mt. Orab campus

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