Gila Herald Staff Reports
THATCHER — In a major step toward bridging the gap between local education and industrial operations, Open Loop Energy has officially launched a new workforce development partnership with Eastern Arizona College (EAC). The landmark collaboration was formalized during a recent signing ceremony held at the Gila Institute for Technology (GIFT) office in Thatcher.
To kick off the initiative, Open Loop Energy welcomed EAC student Ethan Griffin, who made history as the company’s very first intern under the new framework.
Beyond Shadowing: Real-World Industry Experience
Griffin’s internship is designed to be rigorous and hands-on, serving as a pilot for two distinct 60-day structured programs. His training will focus heavily on two critical pillars of modern manufacturing and industrial repair:
- Drafting & Design
- CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Programming
Company officials emphasized that the program is structured to move past basic observation. Griffin will be actively embedded in operational teams, working on real-world projects tied directly to apprentice-level competencies. His responsibilities span the full production lifecycle — including programming, system simulation, quality control, and technical documentation — and include gaining the technical skills required to keep the regional mining industry moving forward.
The overarching goal of the partnership is to build a robust pipeline in Graham County that connects academic training directly to heavy industry, effectively preparing the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
A Full-Circle Connection
The partnership highlights a deeply rooted, multi-year connection between Open Loop Energy and EAC’s technical department. Open Loop Energy’s Assistant Director of Operations, Keith Payne, has served for many years as an adjunct drafting instructor at Eastern Arizona College.
For Payne and school administrators, seeing a local student make the direct leap from Payne’s college classroom into a formal industrial internship at Open Loop Energy represents a unique, full-circle milestone. It underscores the immense value of local employers maintaining long-term roles within the educational system.
“Open Loop Energy recognizes the critical need for trained professionals in the skilled trades,” the company shared in a statement following the ceremony. “We’re honored to be part of the formal training process and part of Ethan’s journey. Welcome to the team, Ethan!”
