Workforce development is a popular topic of conversation. Arkansas Tech Career Center (ATCC) and Rockline Industries have transformed that conversation into action.
A total of 384 ATCC students learned about the Rockline Student Work Program, a paid internship reserved exclusively for Arkansas Tech Career Center students age 15 or older, during visits to campus by Rockline representatives Bailey Greenwood and Kevin Ulmer on Tuesday, Aug. 27, and Wednesday, Aug. 28.
“This is a great opportunity,” said Arron DeGracia, ATCC director. “Rockline runs four shifts per week, so these students have an opportunity to work a great shift in the afternoon and some Saturday shifts. They get industry experience in automation and begin their careers on the ground floor.”
ATCC is serving approximately 815 students from 21 area school districts and K-12 entities during the fall 2024 semester. The main ATCC location is on the Russellville High School campus. Students from other schools are transported to the ATCC facility by bus for a portion of their school day.
“We appreciate the Russellville School District for the use of the facility at the high school,” said Dr. Russell Jones, Arkansas Tech University president. “Arkansas Tech Career Center provides a great service to students from Russellville and other schools around the region.”
High school students from throughout the Arkansas River Valley earn college credit through ATCC in 10 career pathways: automation systems technologies, automotive service technology, certified nursing assistant, computer engineering/computer information systems, construction technology, criminal justice/law enforcement, culinary arts, health science technology, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and welding technology.
“Our partnership with the Arkansas Tech Career Center and Rockline Industries exemplifies the power of collaboration in shaping the future,” said Dr. Sheila R. Jacobs, ATU-Ozark chancellor. “By providing ATCC students with hands-on experience, industry connections and paid internships, the Rockline Student Work Program provides a perfect model of the highest quality work-based learning. ATCC and Rockline are not just offering jobs…we’re building pathways to meaningful careers and fostering the next generation of skilled professionals. All of us at Arkansas Tech are grateful for the opportunities Rockline continues to provide our students and our community.”
The Rockline Student Work Program provides up to 10 paid internships for ATCC students each year. Cumulatively, the students work approximately 6,500 hours per year at Rockline. Some work as little as four hours per week. Some work as much as 20 hours per week.
The application process for the Rockline Student Work Program begins with ATCC students attending a one-day Introduction to Manufacturing course at the Rockline facility in Russellville on a Saturday.
Those who remain interested after the course are invited to apply and go through an interview and screening process. Successful candidates must complete an 8-hour orientation program that focuses on safety and quality before beginning work.
Responsibilities of ATCC students who work at Rockline include packing and palletizing goods, utility work, quality assurance, housekeeping and machinery operation. The students also have opportunities to shadow more experienced workers in maintenance and engineering to learn about career advancement opportunities.
Rockline Student Work Program participants earn $13 per hour at the outset of their internship. That can be phased up to $14.50 per hour.
“The partnership between ATCC and Rockline allows us the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students, and to take part in helping them develop skills needed to launch their future careers,” said Joshua Stone, general manager for Rockline Industries-Russellville. “We are proud to join ATCC and the entire ATU network in providing opportunities to students within our community.”
Learn more about ATCC at www.atu.edu/careercenter.
