(Cleveland, Tenn) – Whirlpool Cleveland remains Bradley County’s largest employer and will soon begin training its newest generation of trade professionals. The practical instruction effort began in 2010 and continues the company’s long-standing commitment to excellence in manufacturing by creating a highly skilled workforce for top-of-the-line cooking products.
Cleveland’s manufacturing plant, which is globally recognized for sustainability and environmental performance, as well as maintaining a Gold-Certified LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) facility, reinvests in the community by lending opportunities to what Whirlpool Corporation values most – families. The company provides workers with secure jobs, competitive wages, benefits and the potential for individualized career growth.
The Cleveland site recently announced its 2017 Manufacturing Services Apprenticeship Class. The four year practicum includes a partnership with Chattanooga State Community College to provide specialized classroom instruction, while Whirlpool provides valuable on-the-job training.
Of 104 applicants for the apprenticeship positions, plant leaders and managers interviewed 23 candidates, selecting 12 people to begin on-the-job and formal classroom education this fall. Each of their skilled trade certifications are contingent upon completion of the four year program.
The new apprentices for Maintenance are: Rodney Ferrer, Jonathan Goodman, Mark Hendrix, Richard Maloney, Jayda Patterson and Jonathan Rickman.
For Tool & Die, the new apprentices are Bruce Evans, Josh Hayes, Tate McDermott, Dewayne Robertson, Rodney Wilson and Matt Wyatt.
Cleveland Manufacturing Services Leader Mike Bacon says, “The 2017 class brings a diverse group of strongly talented individuals together into the growing industry of advanced manufacturing at Whirlpool.”
These current employees have a multitude of past experiences, including completing technical degrees from institutes overseas, experiences in the areas of robotics and even automotive engine rebuilding – this group of 12 apprentices is excited to be a part of the highly skilled team that continues Whirlpool’s spirit of winning, inclusion and innovation for years to come.