Metallica Scholars program kickoff, networking event set for March 18

CHEYENNE, Wyoming – Laramie County Community College’s Essential Systems Technician training program in Cheyenne, supported by the Metallica Scholars Initiative, will launch in March with a kickoff event giving students and employers a chance to meet and build connections.

LCCC and its partners are inviting local and regional employers to meet the students who could be valuable additions to their operations. Employers are welcome to show up on the day of the event, or contact Tonya Hacker at thacker@lccc.wy.edu or 307.778.1146 for more information. 

The kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Mar. 18 at the Archer Event Center, 3801 Archer Parkway, in Cheyenne. The Metallica Scholars Initiative Essential Systems Technician program kickoff and networking event will put students in the same room as employers who need workers skilled in trade and technical skills.

A result of a remarkable partnership — between Laramie County Community College, Laramie County School District 1, Advanced Comfort Solutions and the state of Wyoming — the Essential Systems Technician Training is made possible by the Metallica Scholars Initiative, or MSI.

All Within My Hands (AWMH), the nonprofit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, recently announced its Year 7 of its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) with its largest grant to date, totaling approximately $3 million. MSI now has a presence in 75 colleges across all 50 United States and the territory of Guam, and is expected to reach approximately 10,000 students, including through its generous $75,000 grant to LCCC to support the Essential Systems Technician Training program.

High school seniors and adult learners in the Essential Systems Technician Training program will receive hands-on lessons in HVAC, electrical systems, safety and basic facility operations. All training is taught by working professionals at Advanced Comfort Solutions, giving students real-world experience with the tools and equipment used on the job. The program prepares students to work as technicians maintaining HVAC and electrical systems in commercial and industrial buildings.

“We hope local employers won’t miss the chance to meet these exceptional students and understand why we are so excited about their prospects after this program,” said Tonya Hacker, LCCC’s Outreach & Workforce Development dean. “Our partners at Advanced Comfort Solutions, Laramie County School District 1 and Dads Making a Difference have crafted a groundbreaking program, and it’s all possible thanks to the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Their support removes barriers for students and helps us build stronger career pathways right here in Laramie County.”

Earlier in the day, the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming, in partnership with Laramie County School District 1, are hosting the annual Trades Day, which introduces students to careers in the skilled trades through hands-on, interactive exhibits. That runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. also at the Archer Event Center. About 1,100 local students will attend hands-on demonstrations from businesses and community partners, exploring careers in construction and the skilled trades.

For a complete list of all 75 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.