Plastics One and Mechanical Engineering Students Collaborate for Success

Article from the Virginia Western Community College President's Report to the Roanoke Valley 2004

Some employers bemoan the shortage of skilled technical personnel; Plastics One of Roanoke does something about it. The firm, which manufactures molded plastic parts, offers an educational incentive program that benefits employer and employee.

As vice president John Richardson explains, "All employees who are seeking to get ahead in their job will be given financial support as long as [their program of study] is related to our company's business." Last year, THREE Western Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) graduates were among the beneficiaries.

Dawn Boone, James Parker, and Trish Stump were employed by Plastics One before enrolling in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program. Each saw in the MET program an opportunity to advance their career, and each embarked on a course of study that required as much patience as hard work. All three students worked full time and could carry only a few courses per semester. With the support of Plastics One, they labored for several years to complete their degree and all three succeeded - both academically and professionally.

We applaud Plastics One and our MET graduates for a job well done!