Last week, On The Job began it’s two-part series on WSFA TV in Montgomery focusing on the first half of their news day. The day was June 3rd, two days after the June 2010 primary election. This week we continue our look behind the scenes of this news operation.

It was Christmas Day, 1954 and the first program was A Christmas Carol and so began the first broadcast day of WSFA TV Montgomery’s second television station. Now, over 55 years later, WSFA TV is still on the air and providing up to the minute new coverage and entertainment to central and south Alabama as an NBC Television network affiliate. Having been owned originally by a company whose main interest was newspapers, WSFA became a television news leader in Alabama and around the country.

That commitment to local news coverage continues today with more than 30 hours a week devoted to local news coverage. We spent an entire day with the staff of WSFA in the studio, on location and in the newsroom to give you an idea of the amount of work and the number of people it takes to produce those 30 hours of television each week.

This episode marks our 100th show and with that milestone, comes an opportunity for us to reflect back on the past 3 years of shows, while we prepare for our new season.

It will also give us the opportunity to show you some of the highlights of the past 2 seasons of the show as well as a behind the scenes look at some of what it takes to bring On The Job into your home or classroom on a weekly basis.

Hesco is ‘literally’ a full-service automotive machine shop. Located in Birmingham, AL, their specialization ranges from high-performance, exotic vehicles to your average family sedan or van. They work on everything from motor scooters to Ferraris; antiques to prototypes. Services offered include Dyno Testing , Electronics Engineering and Computer Programming, Custom Engine Work, Service and Repair as well as Secure Vehicle Storage and Vehicle Sales.

On The Job Drove on up to Birmingham to Check out this ‘One Stop”, “Pit Stop” for all your automotive needs…

Calhoun Community College – Machine Tooling Program

In Alabama there is a demand for qualified machinist. A machinist uses machine tools such as milling machines, lathes, and grinders to produce precision metal parts. These parts range from bolts to automobile pistons. In order to become a qualified machinist you must obtain training. If you’re in high school you can check with your local technical school for this class. However if you’re out of high school you can obtain this skills from a 2-year Community College such as Calhoun Community College. At Calhoun Community College students receive an in depth understanding for this field and are allowed the opportunity to “gets their hands dirty” learning.

Founded in 1907, UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company. Delivering 5 million packages a day to 6 million customers in more than 200 countries around the world. UPS has grown from a small messenger company to a leading provider of air, ocean, and ground package delivery service.

UPS is well known for it’s brown trucks, internally known as package cars, and while the brown trucks and brown clad delivery drivers are what most people think of when they think of UPS, there are many other jobs and employees involved in getting a package delivered.

UPS
http://www.ups.com

Most people are proud when they accomplish a project by hand. It’s the feeling you get of “I did that”, that’s rewarding and gives you a sense of worth. What if you had a career that gave you that feeling all the time? At the Madison County Technical Center, students are being trained in several career fields, careers that allow the students to use their hands to accomplish a goal, and make a great living doing it.

In this show, we explore the collision repair class and the precision machine tooling class. Each class highlights the many different skills that the students learn in their class. Skills that can land them a good career with a descent salary. These students are not just learning skills but also getting a chance to apply those skills in the classroom. If you are interested in any of these courses and you are a high school student, talk with your school’s guidance counselor on how to sign up.

Madison County Career Technical Center
https://www.madison.k12.al.us/Schools/mcctc/default.aspx

In Florence, the University of North Alabama’s Film and Digital media department has taken on the task as part of the School of Communications of beginning to train the next generation of filmmakers.

Film and Digital Media Production
http://www.una.edu/film/

Established in 1988 as a small business, SES’s fundamental strength is taking basic scientific concepts through engineering prototypes to full rate production through a lean enterprise approach. SES possesses a full range of science and engineering talent, hardware and software technologies and flexible production capabilities enabling rapid development of sensor products for global customers.

SES Manufacturing Operations, located in Huntsville, Alabama, offer state-of-the-art electrical/mechanical manufacturing and platform integration. They are geographically located near Redstone Arsenal, Alabama with primary focus on supporting the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command. On The Job headed up to Huntsville to find more about the company.

What began as a discussion among friends about their parents and high school turned into the highest grossing film of 1985. It launched the film careers of actors such as Michael J. Fox and Lea Thompson and in 2008 the American Film Institute named it the 10th best science fiction film in History. It spawned two extremely popular sequels that together have grossed nearly a billion dollars at the box office.

Of course the film is Back To The Future and now 25 years after it’s release, we’re in Muscle Shoals at the 12th Annual George Lindsey/University of North Alabama Film Festival where Back To The Future the movie is being celebrated, remembered and honored.

But this week’s show is more than just about Back To The Future. It’s a discussion with some of the actors and creators of the movie about their careers, what it takes to get in the business and even a few tips for starting your career in the industry.

Film and Digital Media Production
http://www.una.edu/film/

There’s an old saying that says, “April showers bring May Flowers”. Well, today we will talk with some fellows who also bring flowers, and trees, and bushes, and anything else to make their clients landscape something spectacular. Lakewood Landscape Group, located in Dothan Alabama, is owned and operated by two brothers, Kyle and Grant Faulk. Together their company specializes in flower programs, formal gardens, hardscapes, site drainage, and several other services. They are able to do this because both owners bring something different to the table. Kyle Faulk has a degree in Landscape Horticulture, while Grant Faulk degree is in building sciences. Together, their knowledge helps them create quality landscaping.

We talked with both Kyle and Grant Faulk about their company and the type of education needed in this field.

On December 1, 2009, Dr. Freida Hill, became Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.   Dr. Hill sat down with us a few weeks ago for an in-depth interview where she touched on the state of the two-year system, her goals for the system and what the future might hold.

Alabama is home to some of the most beautiful forests, lakes, and streams in the country. 95% of the forests in Alabama are privately owned are privately own with the remaining 5% belonging to the State of Alabama and Government. In addition to being Alabama’s Number One Industry, these forests, lakes, and streams, also provide habitats for wildlife and are also a source of recreation for Alabamians such as camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. Although much of Alabama’s forest are wild and untamed there is a need for policing.

In the town of Banks, Alabama, there is a small school doing big things. The school is Banks Middle School and they have created a daily new podcast that is not only broadcasted at their school, but on their local television channel. Bobby Jon visited the school to see their production in action. Their production is comprised of students from two classes, Ms. Gay’s English Class and Ms. Macchia’s Gifted class. Together, this team of student produce, write, film, and edit their own podcast, WBTV Bobcat TV.
Banks Middle School Podcast Website

“Dream It Do It” is an initative put together by several corporations to encourage individuals to look at working in careers that require a 2-year College career. We share the information to you by introducing you to the director of the program for this region, Mr. Ronnie Boles, and then we present to you their promotional video production entitled, “Dream It Do It”
Dream It Do It Website

For years now Alternative fuels have been a hot topic for politicians and consumers alike. The biggest push for something other than petroleum based fuels seems to come when gas prices start going up. One of the best known and least available alternative fuels is bio diesel. Interestingly enough, bio diesel has been around for almost 160 years. In the 1893 Rudolph Diesel created his compression engine to replace the inefficient steam engines that powered most of the heavy equipment of the day. His thought was it would be cheaper, quicker and easier for farmers to rely on their own crops to power their machinery than more expensive forms of fuel such as the petroleum products used today. Flash forward 80 years and bio diesel is back on the table as a viable alternative fuel. So much so, that so called “home brew” kits are now widely available and popular on the Internet. And it’s just not individuals that are trying to make the switch to bio-diesel. Some cities in Alabama are making the switch to this home grown fuel.

Founded in 1957, the Von Gal company began with the pioneering efforts of George Von Gal. His early, highly innovative design work led to the invention of a machine that automatically palletizes 24 bottle wooded cases of Coca-Cola. The company grew to become the world leader in palletizing solutions. On The Job dropped in on the Von GAL to find out more about the company and the types of jobs involved.

Water… It’s a vital natural resource… IT covers 70 % of the planet. And people love to take advantage of its many uses. It is a resource that is often taken for granted, but is vital to the balance of life.

Cities are huge consumers of water resources, and municipalities bare the responsibility for treating all the wastewater that is created. We visited Sugar Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant in Alex City and learned a little about jobs related to Water Treatment.

http://www.alexandercityonline.com/wastewater.htm

There is a large demand for qualified utility linesman. Approximately, 8000 jobs are needed, however, only about 400 jobs were filled. This opens up thousands of opportunities for more individuals to have a part in this profession. New infrastructure and inclement weather keeps people in this industry very busy. So, we visited the Pre-Apprentice utility Lineworker program at Central Alabama Community College to see just what it takes to be a Utility Linesman and to help YOU figure out if it’s a career for you.

Central Alabama Community College – Lineworker Program
Bureau of Labor Statistics – Lineworker Information

A 2008 Census bureau study said that almost 61 percent of Americans with a disability are unemployed. In Alabama that number is even higher rising to over 66 percent, but things may be looking up. Since 1919 and the founding of the National Society for Crippled Children, or Easter Seals, as it is now known, has been a driving force in the advocacy of children and adults who are disabled.

There are aren’t too many people that can travel down I-65 through the town of Ft. Deposit, and not be tempted to make a stop at Priester’s Pecans. From a little country gas station to a sprawling kitchen and regional retailer today, Priester’s Pecans has been turning out mouth-watering sweets for over 75 years. The success of this homegrown business is not just about the products they make, but the people that make them.

Veal, steak, ground beef; All of these cuts of meat come from cows. According to the USDA, In 2008 Americans consumed 27.3 billion pounds of beef. In addition the beef cattle production industry grosses approximately 34.9 billion dollars per year. Beef cattle ranching is a large segment of American Agriculture and is one of the largest industries in the world. Here in Alabama we have our fair share of farmers, but many of us have no idea about the career opportunities in this field. Today we visited Henry Cattle Company in Pintlala.

Today the economic impact of the Poultry Industry in Alabama is $8.5 Billion Dollars and generates about 75,000 jobs, which is 10 percent of the State’s Economy. Alabama ranks 13th nationally in total egg production, but ranks 3rd in “broiler” production behind Arkansas and Georgia. On the Job went “Down on the Farm” to find out more about “broiler” production with Maze Farms.

American Cast Iron Pipe Company is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of ductile iron pipe as well as an array of other products. Headquartered in Birmingham in 1905, ACIPCO is the world’s largest individual iron pipe casting plant. We talked with employees and learned a little about their jobs.

Drake State Technical College’s Engineering Graphics Technology program in Huntsville prepares students to for careers in mechanical, architectural or electronic drafting fields.  We visited the program to get an idea of what is involved in this type of program.

It used to be that video games didn’t require their users to be very active. But with the introduction of Nintendo’s Wii gaming system, the games have become more interactive. In fact now, there are programs centered around exercise routines and fitness. Students and instructors at UAB Biomedical Engineering program decided they would take this interactivity one step further and turn it into a teaching tool.

The field of biotechnology has grown tremendously in the past 15 years. And while we have daily contact with the industry through the medicines we take or the food we eat, few of us know much about this growing industry. And it’s becoming more and more important. We visited Hudson Alpha in Huntsville and learned about the opportunities being created through research at this facility.

Have you ever driven by a wooded area, and wondered what happens if someone wanted to “manage” or “oversee” a forest? Well, we did, so “On the Job” took a trip down to visit Lurleen Burleen Wallace Community College forestry department to get a first hand look at what the world of forestry procurement is all about.

Successful management of Alabama’s Timberlands and Resources are key in supporting this multi-billion dollar industry.

And with the Forest Industry being the #1 manufacturing industry in Alabama it’s easy to see why Education and Jobs in the Forestry Business are important.

So, if calling “the great outdoors” your office sounds appealing, then maybe a job in the Forest Industry is right for you…

Doors… They open. They close. They let people in, and they keep people out.
They come in all different types and sizes… and through out history have played a functional role in our everyday lives. Though their ‘function’ is simple enough, their ‘form’ can be anything from simplistically adequate to lavishly ornate.

Marrying these two concepts is Old Iron Doors: a modern day company keeping an old world art form alive through the production of custom ornamental wrought iron doors, gates, handrails, banisters, and windows.

On The Job headed up to Bessemer, AL to find out more about this company, and about the jobs and skills required to manufacture these custom iron products.

Scale Reproductions in Foley builds scale models, replicas, mock-ups and prototypes for many different types of industries including: Architecture, Maritime, Aerospace, and many more. We spoke with some of Scale Reproductions Model builders to learn what’s involved in building scale models.

One of the largest private air ambulance companies in the US is AirEvac. With 88 stations across the south and Midwest, AirEVAC has carved out a niche by providing medical service in rural areas. On The Job, had the opportunity to spend some time with the AirEvac Lifeteam out of Elmore, AL.

Following the aftermath of September 11, 2001, a new department was created with the primary mission of protecting the American and it’s people. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 called for the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. In short, the department’s aim is to safeguard the American people against any national or world threat. Jobs in Homeland Security exist at the State, Federal, and Local Government levels. On The Job had the opportunity to explore educational opportunities in Homeland Security in Phoenix City, at Chattahoochee Valley Community College’s, Homeland Security program.

Founded in Birmingham in 1921, O’Neal Steel has played an important role in the steel fabricating business. O’Neal was one of the first metal service centers in the south, and during world war two they became the nation’s largest producer of general purpose bombs. And since then they have seen tremendous growth and expansion. We visited O’Neal steel’s manufacturing facility and talked with employees about their jobs.

http://www.onealsteel.com/

The field of biotechnology has grown tremendously in the past 15 years. And while we have daily contact with the industry through the medicines we take or the food we eat, few of us know much about this growing industry. And it’s becoming more and more important. Birmingham and Huntsville are at the center of this field in Alabama through educational opportunities and careers and that’s where we are this week, On The Job.

We visited the Geological Science program at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and learned about the many different aspects of this field and the many career opportunities. Then, we visited TTL, who is a company specializing in geological type services, including geotechnical, analytical and environmental services, all which are linked to geological science. Watch as we explore both location and discover their similarities.

University of Alabama Geological Sciences Website
TTL Website

We visited Bevill State Community College in Sumiton to learn about their state of the art Mine Technology Program. Since 1975 Bevill State has been the only college in the state to provide training in the mining industry. With so many changes in the business landscape today, many people are going back to school and getting new training so they can find work in existing industries, and Bevill is helping to train thousands of new mine workers.

Bevill State – Mining Program Website

The Industrial Maintenance Technology Program at Jefferson State Community College, is a multifaceted program that includes C.A.D. Classes, Welding Classes, High School Dual Enrollment Programs, Robotics, and Partnerships with Local Industries. On the Job drove up to Jefferson State Community college to find out more about how this program is preparing students for the ever expanding Industrial Maintenance Technology field.

In July Governor Bob Riley announced a new state of the art training center in North Alabama that would lead the nation in Robotics training. The need for a trained workforce specializing in Robotics maintenance has increased significantly over the past few years. As manufacturers have made the switch to a more automated process, the need for people to maintain those robots has increased as well.

In Alabama we rarely see snow, at least any snow that amounts to anything. Yet in rural northwest Alabama, there’s one company that’s making it snow, not just here, but all over the world. We visited Snowmasters in Lexington and learned about their growing business.

“We light the Stars,” that’s the motto of Huntsville, Alabama’s, Theatrical Lighting Systems. During this segment president David Milley, discusses his idea to establish a premier lighting studio, while a student at University of Alabama-Huntsville. Since the inception of his idea, over 30 years ago, TLS lighting has now reached new heights as one of the premier lighting companies in the country. From working with musical acts such as Trisha Yearwood, Kenny Chesney, and Brad Paisley, to lighting some of the largest church conventions in the country, find out why Theatrical Lighting Systems, “Lights The Stars!”

Therapeutic Massage dates back to the medieval times. While the intent of this industry on improving health and wellness has not changed, the technology, education, and training for becoming a massage therapist has reached new levels. Join Bobby Jon as he takes you to the Spa At Montgomery and Trenholm State Technical College’s Massage Therapy program.

Jacksonville State University offers a wide array of technology degrees for students interested in automation of industrial manufacturing, robotics, digital networks and communication, and management of computer integrated manufacturing systems. While Jacksonville state offers an array of 4 year technology degrees, it also offers a unique 2 year Pre-engineering program. We spoke to teachers and students about the programs available for study, and what they think about these programs.

Today, Radio is a multi billion-dollar industry that through over-the-air stations and satellite radio reaches every corner of the country and around the world.

At Jacksonville State University’s Department of Communications, they’re teaching students not only how to run the station technically, but also how to have the best voice on the air.

We also visited Justin Brown, an afternoon DJ for WJDC in Birmingham and a graduate of the Radio program at Jacksonville State. Justin gave insight into what it takes to do this job and be good at it.

The automotive manufacturing industry is rapidly growing in Alabama. The companies involved in this movement, Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, and Hyundai, all require various types of skilled, professional engineers, with experience in the field of manufacturing. Because the Automotive Industry grew so quickly here, the skill set required to fulfill manufacturing engineering positions were not plentiful. Auburn University to trying to remedy that problem through a new curriculum that has been implemented.

Auburn University Engineering Program Website

Known as the “Rocket City”, Huntsville continues to make a name for its self in the Missile Defense and Aerospace Industry….and with more Aerospace Engineers per capita than any other city in the U.S., the Aerospace Industry continues to thrive there. Supporting this boom through education is the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. On The Job headed up to UAH to check out this growing program.

UAH Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Program Website

Kyser Farms built the first commercial catfish farms in the state and today is one of Alabama’s leading producers of farm raised catfish. We “catch” up with Townsend Kyser, a third generation Catfish farmer, to learn more about this industry and the economic impact it has for the region and for the state of Alabama.

www.alfafarmers.org/commodities/catfish.phtml

Southern Nuclear

Southern Company currently operates three nuclear generating facilities two in Georgia; and Plant Farley just outside of Dothan in southeast Alabama. And today, we’re down in Dothan at Plant Farley getting a rare look at some of the different jobs available in this industry.

Hesco

Hesco is ‘literally’ a full-service automotive machine shop. Located in Birmingham, AL, their specialization ranges from high-performance, exotic vehicles to your average family sedan or van. They work on everything from motor scooters to Ferraris; antiques to prototypes. Services offered include Dyno Testing , Electronics Engineering and Computer Programming, Custom Engine Work, Service and Repair as well as Secure Vehicle Storage and Vehicle Sales.

On The Job Drove on up to Birmingham to Check out this ‘One Stop”, “Pit Stop” for all your automotive needs…

Sylacauga Banking Program

One financial institute in Alabama has decided to partner up with their local high school to help teach financial literacy with high school students, but with a twist. These students get to run their own credit union in their school.   The Heritage South Credit Union in Sylacauga and Sylacauga high school’s career tech program have joined together to teach students how to be responsible with money, through financial literacy and planning through classroom teaching and hands-on experience.

We visited Sylacauga High School to see this high school-based credit union for ourselves.

EMT – Calhoun
Almost everyone is familiar with TV Medical Dramas like Grey’s Anatomy, House and ER, which depict the real life trauma and drama of the Emergency Room or Hospital… But these TV dramas only tell half the story… There’s a lot that goes on “In Front of the Scenes” before a patient even gets to the Emergency Room or Hospital and many times its within this critical period of time that the survivability of a patient is determined. That’s where EMT’s come in.

Biscuits Baseball Ground Crew

It’s been said that the baseball field is the great leveler of players. It is the 10th player on the field that can give you a great bounce that leads your team to the world series, or it can be the gremlin that at the last minute sends a routine grounder deep into left field allowing the winning run to score. That’s why turf management and a great grounds crew are important, if not critical to a successful team.

Chrissie Schubert’s Homemade Treats

Chrissie Schubert’s Homemade Treats, located in Andalusia, Alabama offers a variety of gourmet treats including cookies and brownies. With the encouragement of her mother, Sister Schubert, Chrissie started her cookie business in 2004. After years of baking, Chrissie felt like she had the right knowledge and recipes to try her hand in the family tradition of commercial baking. In a few short months, Chrissie’s cookie company gained the attention of Southern Living Magazine which featured “Alabama’s Best Cookies and More” in the April 2006 issue. Soon after, another article was published in Wiregrass Living and the buzz spread around the Southeast. We spent an afternoon with Chrissie and got some first hand cookie making experience.

If you have a green thumb, and enjoy working in gardens, and planting the occasional herb, then this an episode for you. The ON THE JOB team took a trip down to Union Springs, AL, and had the opportunity to visit with one of the premier green house operations in the country, Bonnie Plant Farm. What started out in a backyard garden in this rural town in 1918, has now grown to a multi-million dollar plant operation serves plants and herbs to 49 states, including Canada. This empire of a plant operation employs over 500 sales reps, and encompasses over 10,500 accounts. A salesmen works a plant route for no longer than 5 months out of the year, and is said to make anywhere between $25,000-$90,000 during that time! Welcome to the world of Bonnie Plant Farm!

We also visited Flowers Hospital in Dothan where they partner with Wallace Community College’s Radiologic Technologist program and train tomorrow’s medical work force. We learned out about the different types of radiology, and what is involved in training for this field. We also found out about recent technological changes in Radiologic technology.

The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind provides the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and employment system serving children and adults who are deaf, blind, impaired and multi-disabled.

We visited the E. H. Gentry’s full service education facility in Talladega. Established in 1968, Gentry helps their clients achieve economic independence through employment training, college preparation classes, independent living skills and early intervention programs.

We spoke with instructors and students about the programs offered and the technology that is changing people’s lives.

AIDB website
Sorenson Video Relay System (SVRS)

If you pass by any commercial construction site you will more than likely see heavy equipment like earthmovers, bulldozers, and tractors. Just like our automobiles these heavy pieces of equipment have to be maintained. Mechanics at Thompson Tractor are equipped with the skill and knowledge to get this job done.  Being a full-line Caterpillar dealer is just one of  the roles of Thompson Tractor, but the job that affect their customers the most is their service to these products.

Thompson hires and trains their employees to be some of the best heavy equipment mechanics in Alabama. So we visited their facilities in Birmingham to see them at work.

Thompson Tractor Website

We visited the Hospitality and Culinary Institute at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham.  I spoke with students about there experience in this program, and their plans for the future.  I also learned about food safety and prepared and cooked chicken wings.

Visit Jeff State’s program or any of the other Culinary/Hospitality Programs across the Alabama:

Jeff State Community College Culinary Arts Program

Faulkner State Community College

Drake State Technical College Culinary Arts Program

Shelton State Community College Culinary Arts Program

Trenholm State  Technical College Culinary Arts Program

We also visited Zorn Molds in Trafford. Zorn Molds, Inc is a design, engineering and manufacturing company specializing in manufacturing complex 3D CNC machined molds and parts.  They also manufacture specialty injection machines, heat exchangers and injection valves as well as other miscellaneous items needed by fishing lure manufacturers.

http://www.zornmolds.com

On this episode we feature women in non-traditional roles at Southern Company. Southern Company is one of the largest generators of electricity in the nation producing more than 42,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity and serving about 75 investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, and municipalities. The company manages a fleet of fossil, hydro, and nuclear generating facilities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and the Carolinas. To meet the ever-growing demand for energy, Southern Company maintains a power grid which encompasses 27,000 miles of transmission lines, 3,400 substations, and more than 300,000 acres of right of way.

In the past, the utility industry was mostly a male-dominated field, but that is changing. While females typically worked in administrative positions, more and more women are starting to take a hands on role in the operations of power generation, facilities maintenance as well as the transmission and distribution of electricity. We traveled to 4 different states across the Southern Company service territory where women are working in what were once considered male-dominated workplaces.

http://www.southerncompany.com/careerinfo/home.aspx