By Beth Stockwell

Special to the Tribune

In 2011, 600,000 skilled manufacturing jobs went unfilled, and 80 percent of manufacturers could not find capable workers, according to a survey by the Manufacturing Institute.

The Marshall County School System is doing their part to help train future workers with their Work Based Learning (WBL) Program, now in its third year.

Work Based Learning is for seniors who have completed a series of trade classes at Spot Lowe Technology Center. Teachers identify and invite students who exhibit the characteristics an employer would want, such as dedication, professionalism, punctuality, work ethic, etc. Chosen students are then paired with a cooperating business where they are allowed to work as interns.

"The program gives students an opportunity to see the things we've taught them in action," states Spot Lowe CTE Director Lyn Stacey, who oversees the program. "It also gives the students an opportunity to get a foot in the door, hopefully leading to an actual full-time job."

Students spend their fourth block at the worksite, where they apply the skills they have learned in the classroom while also earning one credit. The students are not paid during this time; however companies sometimes choose to employ students after school hours.

"It helps students make career decisions," added Stacey. "It's also a recruiting tool for us."

A number of recent high school graduates have had success in securing full-time employment locally after completing the Work Based Learning program, according to Stacey. Cody Newsom, a welder at Talos Engineered Products (formerly Designed Conveyor Systems) in the Lewisburg Industrial Park is one such success story.

Newsom, 19, began at Talos Engineered Products in the fall of 2012, working for the company unpaid during his fourth block. By the end of his senior year he was working from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and soon after graduation he became a temporary worker. On July 7, 2013, he became a full-time employee.

"Cody really stepped up," said Shop Manager Scott McCormick. "He came in prepared ... for him to stick around without getting paid pretty much told me he was going to be a great employee."

Talos Engineered Products currently employs 13 welders on two shifts, with a total of 49 employees in the shop. The company, headquartered in Franklin, builds conveyers and other products, and shipper FedEx is their biggest customer.

"This is a hard business to learn, you take a piece of sheet metal and turn it into something else," McCormick continued. "When you learn a trade like that you become a problem solver."

Newsom noted he is "learning something new every day," and that his classes at Spot Lowe taught him all of the basics of welding he needed. He is currently studying Industrial Maintenance at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Shelbyville, and Talos Engineered Products will reimburse his tuition if he maintains an A average.

"I can make a good living," added Newsom, a lifelong resident of Lewisburg.

John Barron, the welding instructor at Spot Lowe recommended Newsom for WBL and commented, "When I sent him to the Work Based Learning he really excelled."

In addition to Talos Engineered Products, other companies in Marshall County who participate in Work Based Learning include: BDS Machine, Industrial Steel & Supply, U.S. Tank, AMtech, Cosmolab, Lewisburg Plumbing & Heating, Ace Bayou, Comfort Research, Walker Die Casting, Lewisburg Printing, Iron Craft, NHC Lewisburg and Oakwood, H&S #2, Marshall Medical Center, Abeco Die Casting, Candy Shoppe, Square Cuts, Sophisticuts, Barron Salon 451, Mane Attractions, and the Marshall County Sheriff's Office.

Stacey commented on how much he appreciates the relationships they've developed with local businesses through WBL stating, "We couldn't offer this opportunity without the cooperation of many individuals. We hope that this program is mutually beneficial for the students, the businesses, and the community."

"It is great when students have a desire to take their career path from the classroom to worksite," said Mike Wiles, excutive director of the Marshall County Joint Economic and Community Development Board. "When industry, education, and government all partner together to help our future workforce focus and achieve their goals, we are all winners. It is a must that we provide a continuous pipeline of qualified workers. These types of work-based learning efforts help in accomplishing this goal."

Other Spot Lowe and Marshall County High School teachers who have sponsored Work Based Learning students include Genia Borton (cosmetology), Danny Adams (industrial maintenance), Kathy Demumbreum (health sciences), Danny Pickle (machine maunfacturing), and Ryan Henry (criminal justice).

Anyone interested in learning more about Work Based Learning may contact Stacey at (931) 359-4911.