ELLISVILLE –Jones College’s Electrical Technology freshman from Myrick, Seth McNeil is the first student in the program to be selected for the apprenticeship program with Pulse Electric in Laurel. After his first semester in the program, the Northeast Jones High School graduate earned the opportunity to receive tuition and expenses for three years as he earns his A.A.S. degree in Electrical Technology.
“The apprenticeship program will benefit two Jones College students that want to get in this industry,” said Pulse Electric owner, Chance Sims. “Essentially, as they go through the electrical technology program, students don’t always have an opportunity to apply their skills. This experience will give them a leg up when they finish. They’ll have more skills, which gives them a higher pay too.”
While taking courses at Jones College, Seth will also be employed by Pulse Electric as part of the apprenticeship. He has also committed to work with the company for three years after he graduates from Jones.
“This works out great for Pulse Electric and it works good for me as a student,” said Seth. “It gets my name out there and while I’m still learning, I’m working and getting better. It’s been working out pretty good so far!”
McNeil signed the apprenticeship agreement with his parents, Joseph and Lorrie McNeil watching at the special signing day. Both parents are excited about his future.
“It’s nice to see companies take stock in students coming out in that field because they know that they’re getting the training at school that they need to be able to move into the workforce. This opportunity probably saved the company a little time in training, and it helped my son too,” said an appreciative Lorrie McNeil.
Joseph McNeil said he heard Sims needed some help and Seth took the initiative to explore his options. While talking with Sims, he discovered he was eligible for the apprenticeship opportunity.
“What I love is the fact Seth likes what he’s doing, he’s getting paid, and his tuition is paid for too,” said Joseph McNeil. “I told Seth, now you can take what you learn in class and get a real-world application. He can also come to Jones and talk to his instructors, Mr. Griffith, and Mr. Pierce. He can also practice his skills here before he goes to work.”
Vice President of Career Services and eLearning, Jennifer Griffith said she’s hopeful more contractors and businesses will offer similar opportunities for more students. Currently, Jones College offers apprenticeships with South Central Regional Medical Center and Hol-Mac Industries.
“We want to match up more of our students because our students are trying to figure out how to pay for college and their goal is to get a job. So, it’s a beautiful marriage between students and companies,” said Griffith.
For more information call Career Services’ Holly Robertson at 601-477-4206.
