The purpose of the teacher internship program was to build a partnership with industry and provide me with a “hands-on” experience to prepare my students with real-world applications and job skills for today’s workforce in South Arkansas. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the manufacturing team at AMC Incorporated; and Jennifer Loomis, Vice-President and Quality Control Manager, was very supportive of this teacher internship program. She went out of her way to actively engage me in a variety of work-in-processes, and technology throughout the organization. I witnessed employees thinking out of the box to solve real world problems. It was a wonderful and exciting experience to see first hand how AMC employees utilize new and innovative technologies, while demonstrating a positive attitude and a strong work ethic in the workplace.
AMC manufactures defense-related industry hardware for direct and indirect government prime contractors. They currently have a prime contract through the Redstone Arsenol and provide machined products to General Dynamics Ordinance and Tactical Systems, and Lockheed Martin Missile and File Control.It is a family owned small business representing the machine shop tool & die trade by building production hardware. As a small business, they employ an average of 15‑25 team members. Located in South Arkansas, they are able to provide services to area defense related industries.
The employees at AMC work with each other as team members in a safe and comfortable atmosphere to meet deadlines while maintaining a 100% quality and delivery rating with its customers. Management provides the support and training their employees need to develop the skills necessary to maintain these goals through in-house training, seminars, continuing education, and the AWS (American Welding Society) certified welding inspector renewal certification.
Welders, electricians, truck drivers, and industrial machinery mechanics are among some of the fastest growing jobs in South Arkansas as published by USAWage.com and the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services. Basic math skills and efficiency in Microsoft Office are also essential to this organization as they are in most businesses in Arkansas. According to Mrs. Loomis, students should focus on core subjects in Math, English, and Science and take the opportunity to gain Microsoft Office Specialist certifications while in school. For hands-on training and technical skills, students may enroll in vocational or trade schools.
However, in order for employees to be successful in the workforce they must also possess excellent soft skills or interpersonal skills such as effective communication, problem solving, and integrity. Employees must be able to collaborate and cooperate with their co-workers in a diversified drug-free environment. Take a look at this .pdf file listing the “Top 10 Soft Skills” or click on this link http://www.saddleback.edu/book/export/html/4405.
Students interested in a career in welding, or machine shop, and seeking employment in a technology driven company with a positive work environment should consider applying at AMC. They provide their employees with excellent benefits and profit sharing opportunities and show a love for their community by partnering with the Harmony Grove School District and other community interest groups providing educational enrichment activities and community support. AMC provides guest speakers and plant tours for our elementary and high school students as well as internships and summer jobs when possible. They have donated U. S. flags to the Boy Scouts and other local non-profit organizations. They support Relay for Life, the East Camden Fire Department, and make contributions to the Boys and Girls Club.
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