Anderson Oconee Pickens

Job Shadowing Leads to Co-op at McGee Heating and Air Conditioning

CONTACT: BUTCH MERRITT, 646-1570

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/17/2004
(By Lisa Garrett)

ANDERSON --- Two days of job shadowing at McGee Heating and Air Conditioning Company convinced Jonathan Adams that he really wanted to be selected for the competitive co-op position being offered through the company.

When his name was called at Pendeton High School's awards day ceremony as the recipient, it may have caught him by surprise, but not Tom Hewitt, Anderson District Four's school-to-work coordinator who nominated him.

"Jonathan is a hard worker and was very focused on a career path for college. Once I determined he would be our nominee, I sent him to job shadow at the company. I knew they would like him because he goes above and beyond in his work. After the job shadowing experience, they raved about him. There was no question he was a top contender. One year down the road, I predict they will call me and ask if we have 10 more just like him," said Hewitt.

"I have to give Mr. Hewitt credit. He stood behind me, and it worked out for me," said Jonathan, who was on the job just two days after graduating from Pendleton High School. He will enter Tri-County Technical College's Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning evening program this fall and will remain a full-time employee at McGee.

The idea for a co-op began when Robert Kesler, the company's general manager, met Dr. Ronnie L. Booth, Tri-County's president, and they began discussing the shortage of potential technicians at McGee and area companies. Kesler, like other employers, is looking for skilled technicians for the company and Dr. Booth told him about the College's new tuition-free training initiative called the Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP).

Last year Dr. Booth appealed to industry managers to refer at least one employee with great potential to learn advanced technical skills and grow with the company. The college would assist the students with financial aid, including a lottery scholarship, and the College would pick up the difference to cover whatever tuition costs remain.

"You do need a degree to advance in the field," said Kesler, who employs several Tri-County grads. "But school is only half of the equation," he said. "Job training is equally as important. If you can bring the two together, you can create a very knowledgeable employee."

"We worked out a deal to create a co-op for one student each year," said Kesler. Working with the school-to-work coordinators from Anderson District schools, Kesler will gather a list of nominees.

Hewitt immediately thought of Jonathan when he heard about the opportunity. "He really stayed behind me the whole time," said Jonathan.

"This is an example of what school-to-work is all about -- business, industry, school districts, and community colleges coming together to build partnerships," said Butch Merritt, director of the College's Career Services Office. "There is a definite need for skilled technicians, and the best way to find them is to grow your own."

"This is an opportunity a lot of kids will never have," said Jonathan's father. "It works for everyone. Jonathan will have a job, can go to college and have a trade."
"We are very fortunate and very appreciative," added his mother.

"We couldn't have done this without Dr. Booth, Butch, Tom and other high school and college staff. They are guiding us through the program," said Kesler.

For additional information, contact Butch Merritt at 646-1570 or e-mail bmerritt@tctc.edu.
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