Mohawk Valley Community College has partnered with the Briggs & Stratton company’s manufacturing operations in Sherrill to give students an opportunity to gain valuable experience as interns in the private sector, MVCC announced.

Through the partnership, students enrolled in MVCC’s welding certificate and degree programs gained real-world experience as interns this fall, working side-by-side with Briggs & Stratton employees, the college said.

The last day of instruction was followed by the first day of work for some, due to Briggs & Stratton extending offers of full-time employment to a few students, MVCC noted.

Briggs & Stratton has upwards of 100 unfilled positions, and the impending move of production jobs from Wisconsin to Sherrill will further increase the company’s demand for a skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing, the college added.

“We take immense pride in producing the highest quality lawn mowers and we are fully cognizant that our employees are essential for our continued success,” said Erin Zuck, Human Resources Manager at Briggs & Stratton. “We firmly believe that this partnership with Mohawk Valley Community College’s welding program will create a consistent pipeline of skilled workers to fill the needs of our manufacturing operation.”

MVCC Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Tim Thomas commented “this partnership is evidence of the college’s ability to quickly respond to workforce and industry demands, and it’s an outcome of Briggs & Stratton’s expanding operation and recent economic development successes.”

MVCC offers a one-year certificate in welding and an AOS degree in welding technology. The program prepares students for actual welding work, or for positions as welding inspectors, welding laboratory technicians, or welding supply and equipment sales representatives.

For more information, visit mvcc.edu/academics/stem online.