Cummins, CPCC Establish Apprenticeship Program

March 4, 2015 | By Business Wire News

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Cummins Inc., a global manufacturer, distributor and service provider of diesel and natural gas engines and related technologies, and Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) have partnered to train students from across North America in Cummins’ Technician Apprentice Program (TAP).

With a program launch in January, groups of 15 Cummins apprentices are now taking classes at CPCC in five-week blocks. Over the course of the four-year program, Cummins apprentices will spend the equivalent of two years at CPCC, where they will learn how to build and maintain Cummins diesel engines. When the students complete the program, they will have earned an associate degree in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology and be Cummins certified in engine and/or power generation.

CPCC and Cummins are working together to create and equip a Cummins diesel and heavy equipment lab at the college’s Merancas Campus, in Huntersville, N.C. Cummins apprentices from across North America and the Caribbean will come to CPCC. A second cohort of 15 students will arrive at the Merancas Campus in July 2015.

“I am thrilled to partner with Central Piedmont Community College,” said Ray Amlung, vice president, Distribution Service Operations and Cummins Service Functional Excellence, Cummins Inc. “This partnership helps equip employees, who are critical to our success, with the skills necessary to be effective in an increasingly complex workplace. I think this can be a model used across the industry to create a stronger workforce, which in turn, will strengthen our local communities.”

The apprentices are full-time Cummins employees, with the company paying all program expenses (tuition, fees, books), and providing a complete set of diesel technician tools. The program requires 1,200 CPCC instruction hours, including lab, in-class and online courses. In addition to the diesel and heavy equipment training, the apprentices will take math, English, communication and workplace psychology courses.

“We’re looking for career-oriented men and women with a desire to work with Cummins technology,” said David Taylor, Cummins TAP leader. “Cummins is a global company, and this apprentice program provides individuals the skills necessary for quality, well-paying jobs and the potential for career advancement in our dynamic company.”

The program is registered with NCWorks Apprenticeship and certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Program applicants need a high school diploma or GED with corresponding grade-point average requirements or be an honorably discharged military veteran.

“CPCC is proud and excited to partner with Cummins on their innovative Technician Apprentice Program,” said Tamara Williams, dean of the Merancas Campus. “The program offers each student a wonderful opportunity and provides the foundation for a great career, while establishing a talent pipeline for Cummins. We are proud to welcome the first group of students and look forward to the second group arriving in July.”

Cummins U.S. distributor and branch locations include:

Distributor		Branch Location
Cummins Atlantic		Charlotte, NC
		Greensboro, NC
		Columbia, SC
		Spartanburg, SC
		Summerville, SC
		Winchester, VA

Cummins Crosspoint		Cross Lanes, WV
		Evansville, IN
		Mishawaka, IN
		Knoxville, TN

Cummins Rocky Mtn.		Salt Lake, UT
Cummins Rocky Mtn.		Denver, CO

Cummins Power Systems		Manassas, VA
Cummins Power Systems

About Cummins

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service diesel and natural gas engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Ind., Cummins currently employs approximately 48,000 people worldwide and serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of approximately 600 company-owned and independent distributor locations and approximately 6,800 dealer locations. Cummins earned $1.48 billion on sales of $17.3 billion in 2013. Press releases can be found on the Web at www.cummins.com. Follow Cummins on Twitter at @Cummins and on YouTube at CumminsInc.

About CPCC

Central Piedmont Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the Carolinas, offering nearly 300 degree, diploma and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. CPCC responds to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies. Established in 1963, CPCC has provided more than 50 years of service to Mecklenburg County residents, business and industry. For more information, see www.cpcc.edu.