Wiregrass Precision Machine and Manufacturing student Shane Palmer signed an apprenticeship agreement with Steeda of Valdosta. While Palmer is working toward his diploma in Precision Machining and Manufacturing, he is working as a Machinist at Steeda.  He shared how excited he is and sees this as a great opportunity to not only attend college, but also enter the workforce in his chosen career field prior to graduating. On hand to watch Palmer sign was Scott Boda, Director of Manufacturing at Steeda; Stan Crance, Project Manager/Existing Industry Coordinator with Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority; Dr. Tina K. Anderson, President of Wiregrass; Darron Lanier, Machine Tool Technology Instructor; and Michael Williams, Dean of Industrial and Technical programs.
 
The Apprenticeship program through Wiregrass is a method of training individuals in a trade using a combination of on-the-job skills development and classroom/lab related instruction.   Wiregrass currently has nine programs that are approved for the apprenticeship program: Accounting, Automotive Technology, CNC Specialist, Computer Information Systems, Diesel Truck Maintenance, Industrial Systems Technology, Precision Machining and Manufacturing, Telecommunications, and Welding and Joining Technology.  Other area businesses Wiregrass currently has apprenticeship agreements with are: American Drill Bushing Hoist Rings, Ace Electric, TransPower, Cass Burch Dealership, Coyote Manufacturing, Verlyn, and Ace Technologies.