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JACKSON — A married mother of two young children, Asia Ricketts is not your typical student in Jackson State Community College’s Advanced Maintenance Technician (AMT) Co-op.
The 26-year-old Huntingdon resident, however, has embraced the program. She attends classes two days a week at Jackson State and learns hands-on experience while working three days a week as a co-op employee at Toyota Bodine in Jackson.
“I like to fix things,” Ricketts said. “I like manufacturing work. It offers stability, a good salary and great benefits-especially for our area.”
As a co-op employee, Ricketts is making about $12 an hour. Within two to three years after she graduates and continues to increase her skills, she has the potential to be earning more than $28 an hour, said Jason Bates, Toyota Bodine plant administrator.
The AMT Co-op, a partnership between Jackson State and 28 area manufacturers, helps local industry fill an important need for advanced maintenance personnel, said Cathi Roberts, the program’s completion coordinator.
“To be in the AMT co-op, one must apply, interview and be hired by one of the manufacturers in the consortium,” she explained. “The co-op, which is part of JSCC’s accredited Engineering System’s Program, is providing a cutting-edge curriculum. It offers employers peace of mind when filling maintenance positions because the employers know they are getting a quality employee who has real-life experience.”
Students in the AMT co-op also learn soft skills, such as team-building and interpersonal skills, Roberts said.
Ricketts, who began courses in August, went through the interview and selection process last May.
Bates and Darrel Johansen, Toyota Bodine equipment maintenance group leader, were impressed. “She hit the ground running,” Johansen said. “She has a positive attitude and strong work ethic.”
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