PrintThe Accumold Scholars program was created to strengthen our critical talent pipeline by attracting exceptional students. Developed in partnership with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), the program offers participants paid on-the-job training and full tuition reimbursement for specific programs at DMACC. Eligible programs include Tool & Diemaking, Robotics & Control Systems Engineering Tech, and Industrial Technician Certificates.
A former Accumold Scholar provides a first-person perspective of his experience.
What is a day in the life of an Accumold Scholar?
The life of an Accumold Scholar is active. The day typically starts with class, then labs, and then in the afternoon he works on making tool and die plates for his degree. In the evening, he heads home and enjoys time with his wife and family.
What made him choose the Tool and Die program, and subsequently, Accumold as a company?
It started with looking for careers around the Des Moines area, because that’s where he wanted to start a family. He looked into several options. One facility wasn’t clean, didn’t provide a great work environment, and provided no further education. Yet another company wasn’t the right fit, but when he found Accumold and the continuing education opportunity, he went after it.
Do you think Accumold’s college tuition reimbursement will help you advance your career more quickly?
The short term impact of the Accumold Scholars program and college tuition reimbursement is apparent. He receives his degree, and paid on-the-job training, but the value lasts even if life takes him elsewhere.
Even if he chooses to leave Accumold, he still has his degree, and that will continue to open opportunities in the future.
What would you say to individuals contemplating the Accumold Scholars program?
He truly enjoyed the tool & die program. He was able to create something useful from raw materials and the art of creation is appealing. The DMACC programs along with the Accumold Scholars program gave him the tools and experience to help him create.
Juggling school and work wasn’t as difficult as he first thought. Instructors were flexible and understand life is busy. His advice is simple “stay focused on what needs to be done today, and you’ll be fine.”
How has working at Accumold while attending school full time helped you in class?
He noticed how the experts in the field provided more depth of experience and practical experience that doesn’t’ come from the classroom alone.
Accumold’s on-the-job training and managers, provided him with experience and gave him increased confidence he used in the classroom.
Last Thoughts?
One appealing thing about Accumold was the cleanliness of the facility, temperature controlled facility, and professional attire worn by staff. He’s enjoyed growing at Accumold, and up next, he hopes to acquire his engineering degree keeping with his ethos, seizing opportunities to better himself.
The college tuition scholarship and Accumold Scholars program is only the beginning.