Honoring a Legacy: Atlas Machine & Supply Announces the Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship

Atlas Machine & Supply has launched a new initiative that combines practical support with a heartfelt tribute. The Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship, named in honor of a beloved colleague, promises to provide aspiring machinists with the essential tools they need to succeed.

Phillip Payne was more than just a colleague at Atlas Machine & Supply; he was a cherished member of the company family. Known for his dedication, professionalism, and passion for machining, Phillip's memory continues to inspire those who knew him. In an effort to perpetuate his legacy, the Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship will annually award one outstanding apprentice with a comprehensive tooling package valued at $7,300.

A Tribute to Phillip Payne

Phillip Payne's life was a testament to the power of passion and dedication. Outside of work, he enjoyed horseback riding and muscle cars, but his true calling was in the field of machining. As a Field Machinist at Atlas Machine & Supply, Phillip brought his best to the workshop every day, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

The scholarship, created in his memory, aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with acquiring quality tools, thereby supporting the next generation of machinists in their professional journey. For 2024, the scholarship is uniquely available to both first- and second-year apprentices, broadening its impact during its inaugural year.

Details of the Scholarship

The Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship is designed to provide apprentices with a complete set of premium tools necessary for their trade. The 2024 tooling package includes:

• Micrometers
• Calipers
• Hammers
• Indicator and Base
• Wrench Set
• Folding Hex Key Set
• Edge Finder Set
• Block Set
• Mitutoyo Telescoping Set
• Thread Measuring Wire Set
• Leaf SPI Radius
• Keychain with LED Tape Measure
• Socket Sets
• The Home Machinist's Handbook
• Kennedy Top and Bottom Tool Chest Set

This extensive toolkit ensures that the recipient will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of their apprenticeship and beyond.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in the Atlas apprenticeship program as a first-year apprentice. However, for 2024, the scholarship is also open to second-year apprentices. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of machining, have a solid academic or professional record, and show financial need for assistance with tooling costs.

Applications for the scholarship open on August 1, 2024, and the deadline for submission is August 31, 2024. Interested applicants must submit a completed application form, a resume detailing relevant experience and qualifications, and essays highlighting their passion for machining and how the scholarship would impact their career goals. Letters of recommendation are optional but highly encouraged.

Selection Process

The People and Culture Department, along with the Apprentice Training Coordinator, will review all applications and select the most deserving candidate based on the eligibility criteria and the strength of their application materials. The scholarship recipient will be notified via email and announced on the Atlas Machine & Supply website.

A Lasting Impact

The Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship is more than just a financial award; it is a testament to the values and dedication that Phillip embodied. By supporting aspiring machinists, Atlas Machine & Supply is investing in the future of the industry and honoring the memory of a remarkable individual.

The Atlas Apprentice Program: Nurturing Talent and Craftsmanship

The Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship complements the longstanding Atlas Apprentice Program, a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to excellence and nurturing talent within the skilled trades. Established in the 1980s by Dick Gimmel, the program formalized a collaboration with the Kentuckiana Machining Association (KMA) around 2000. In 2008, Rich Gimmel expanded the program by initiating a Cooperative Learning Program with area high schools, offering part-time employment to top applicants and full-time positions upon graduation.

One key feature that sets Atlas apart is its incredible support for its apprentices. The company covers 100% of educational expenses if apprentices maintain a passing grade. Remarkably, there is no obligation to remain employed with Atlas post-graduation, demonstrating the company's belief in the immense value and opportunities it offers.

The four-year program, requiring firm dedication, with apprentices juggling between school and full-time work at Atlas, equips graduates with state-recognized KMA certification and valuable skills for continuous employment. In 2021, Atlas introduced a two-year apprentice program specifically for field machinists, addressing the unique needs of this division.

The Atlas Machine & Supply Apprentice Program is not just a journey; it represents dedication, innovation, and opportunity for the next generation of young workers. It also stands as a shining example of how a commitment to nurturing talent can shape the future and provide endless opportunities for those willing to seize them.

More information on the scholarship and how to apply can be found on the Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship application page.

As Atlas Machine & Supply continues to innovate and lead in the machining industry, the Phillip Payne Memorial Tool Scholarship stands as a beacon of support and inspiration for the next generation of skilled machinists.