For many, landing your first “real” job after graduating college is one of the pinnacles of attending college unless you’re fortunate enough to land a job before graduating. Fortunately, that’s a reality for Reid State Technical College students. When Evergreen, Alabama native Taylor Kendrick enrolled in Reid State’s Industrial Electricity Electronics Technology program, he did so to prepare for employment not knowing where his training would take him. One day, the college hosted a presentation with oil & gas industry representatives from Scholumberger. Curious to learn more about the company, Kendrick signed up and landed a screening interview.
His initiative was no surprise to his instructors. “He took the initiative to learn more on his own. He would come in between classes for more practice. He just stood out,” said Industrial Maintenance Instructor Jody Williamson. Following Kendrick’s phone interview, the company flew him out for an interview where he was later officially offered a position in February 2018. Although he would not graduate until May 2018, he worked with Reid State’s instructors to submit class assignments while working.
After graduation, his initiative earned him a variety of on the job training certifications including over-head crane and crane to name a few. His starting salary was over 45K and he’s already received a raise.
Going forward, Scholumberger has committed to recruiting 10 – 15 students for a new all-expense paid three-month summer workforce program. Students will have an opportunity to apply classroom training with real-world experience. The three-month training will serve as an evaluation opportunity for company executives to hire students as well as an opportunity for students to determine if this is a career they would choose. Expenses such as lodging, housing, transportation, meals and tools will be provided.
For more information about Reid State’s programs contact the college at 251-578-1313 or visit www.rstc.edu
Pictured from left are Reid State Technical College Industrial Electricity Electronics Instructor David Cole, Reid State Industrial Electricity Electronics graduate Taylor Kendrick, and Reid State Technical College Industrial Maintenance instructor Jody Williamson.