General Atomics' Torrey Pines campus.
Preparing students with apprenticeships
September 1, 2020 |
General Atomics partnership with City College helps build long term success.
San Diego City College has worked with its corporate partners in establishing 21 apprenticeship programs aimed at meeting employer needs and preparing students for in-demand jobs, including an apprenticeship program at General Atomics initiated in fall 2019. Since then, two City College students have taken part in the learn-while-you-earn program, working at General Atomics while taking classes. Brandon Thomas, the Program Manager for the General Atomics Facilities Operations & Services Apprenticeship Program, recently answered a few questions about the partnership with City College.
Q. Can you tell us a little about the new apprenticeship program?
A. Our General Atomics Facilities Operations & Services team partnered with San Diego
City College to establish an apprenticeship program within our organization after
identifying four key trades beneficial to our long term success. Our program consists
of HVAC-R Specialist, Electrical Specialist, CNC Mechanic, and Plumbing Specialist
programs. Each program requires a minimum of four years of education and on-the-job-training
working on trade specific projects throughout our facilities.
Q. What are the outcomes General Atomics hopes to achieve through the program?
A. By starting their careers with General Atomics, we will build a sustainable facilities
organization by having employees learn and work on our facilities building a legacy
of highly skilled and deeply knowledgeable tradespeople. We are encouraged by how
our employees have thrived both in the classroom and on-the-job.
Q. Why City College?
A. The San Diego Community College District has a record of proven success in apprenticeship
programs in industries similar to ours. Their administrative staff have years of experience
working with each stakeholder and their instructors are exceptional in their abilities
to connect with our apprentices.
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