Daikin America, Inc., has donated $20,000 to fully fund four full-ride scholarships for individuals who wish to pursue careers as Process Industrial Controls Technicians through Calhoun Community College’s EPIC program. 

These full-ride scholarships will provide selected individuals with a tuition-free path to earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Process Technology while also gaining two years of paid, hands-on co-op experience with Daikin — a company specializing in HVAC&R applications.

“This is the start of Daikin’s long-term commitment to local workforce development and we’re looking to grow the program by providing even more EPIC scholarships at Calhoun in the near future,” Daikin vice president of Manufacturing Allan Britnell said. “These scholarships will provide individuals with access to high-quality process controls training and a lucrative career pathway, while also allowing recipients to work alongside some of the best Chemical Plant operators in North Alabama at Daikin. Scholarship recipients will receive much the same training as we provide our full-time employees and they’ll be prepared to pursue full-time manufacturing careers when they graduate.”

Daikin officials said the company is a strong advocate for educating and training the future workforce. This scholarship initiative is designed to equip students with the technical expertise and real-world experience needed to thrive in high-demand industrial careers.

“Daikin’s generous donation to fund these scholarships is a game-changer for those looking to enter into the field of process technology,” Nathan Steele, coordinator of Collaborative Advanced Manufacturing Programs at Calhoun, said. “Through our EPIC program, students don’t just learn in the classroom to earn their degree; they also gain the experience recruiters look for on resumes when hiring process controls technicians. We can’t stress enough how in-demand these jobs are, or how they come with a highly competitive salary for a two-year degree program. That’s why we are strongly encouraging people to apply before the application deadline.” 

Alabama ranks second in the nation for the highest concentration of chemical plant and system operators and ninth in the nation in pay, with an average salary of $67,450. 

The EPIC program at Calhoun directly addresses this industry demand by providing students with the skills, education, and work experience required to step into these high-paying, in-demand roles.

To qualify for the Daikin EPIC Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

— Meet the admission requirements for Calhoun Community College

— Be eligible to enroll in MTH 100 (Intermediate College Algebra) and ENG 101 (English Composition I)

— Be at least 18 years old by June 1, 2025.

— Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career as a Process Industrial Controls Technician

— The deadline to apply for the EPIC program, including the Daikin-sponsored scholarships, is 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15.

For more information on the EPIC program and scholarship opportunities, visit calhoun.edu/epic or contact Nathan Steele at nathan.steele@calhoun.edu.