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Shaw Industries Group, Inc. (Shaw) and Lurleen B. Wallace (LBW) Community College welcomed six student apprentices at a recent signing day ceremony.

The LBW industrial electronics students formally committed to a mechatronics technician apprenticeship at Shaw’s Andalusia manufacturing facility. Bringing skilled trades center stage, Shaw and LBW Community College hosted the signing day to signify the importance of technical education and career development.

“Apprenticeships are vital to our workforce development and talent management needs. Community partners, such as LBW Community College, help us find and develop the very best associates,” said Brian Cooksey, Shaw’s director of workforce development. “These students are on an exciting path and I am proud to see them accepting these positions. I want to offer my personal congratulations to each student for working hard to create a better future for themselves, for Shaw and for our community.”

Shaw Industries is Covington County’s largest employer with more than 900 associates working at Plant 65 in Andalusia. The plant is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility creating fiber used in residential and commercial carpets.

The new apprentices were chosen through a competitive application process and will now work alongside Shaw associates to complete documented training and on-the-job experience through a curriculum designed in partnership with Shaw and LBW instructors.

“Shaw is a major employer and an excellent community partner. They are giving our students invaluable, firsthand experience that is preparing them for their future career,” said Chad Sutton, director of workforce development at LBW Community College. “These students will complete a curriculum of documented competencies during their apprenticeship. It’s an indepth program and offers our students incredible experiences, including mentorship and training that prepares them to become a Journeyman.”

Accepting the apprentice positions on signing day were Joseph Turner, Lorenzo Cardo, Graham Jackson, Jacob Hammac, Jayden Nearor and Paulk Smith.

“Congratulations and welcome to the team. We’re excited for all that your future holds,” said Brent Floyd, Shaw’s Andalusia site manager. “We are proud of the partnership we have with LBW Community College and the work we are accomplishing together to educate, train and employ local talent.”