Whirlpool Adds Apprentice to Prototype Model Maker Program

Andrea Byerly
Friday, July 14, 2023 12:00 AM
Academics, Students, Press Releases, All

CLEVELAND, TN – Cleveland State Community College welcomes a second apprentice from Whirlpool Corporation to the Prototype Model Maker Registered Apprenticeship Program. Patou Libbey began his apprenticeship on May 4, 2023. Over the course of his four-year commitment, Libbey will be working in the Model Shop at Whirlpool to gain his 8000 hours of on-the-job learning and completing a minimum of 576 hours of related academic credits at Cleveland State in the Advanced Technologies Department. Cleveland State's Workforce Development Department serves as the official program sponsor.

The Prototype Model Maker Registered Apprenticeship Program between Whirlpool and Cleveland State began in 2022. Libbey joins one other apprentice, Patrick Marshall, under the supervision of Model Shop Supervisor, Wesley Glover. Libbey and Marshall receive financial aid funds through the college for their academic credits. Grant funds from the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) provide funding for textbooks, supplies and fees.

“Cleveland State is excited to announce Patou's commitment to the Prototype Model Maker Registered Apprenticeship program,” said Heather Brown, Director of Workforce Development. “He is a very eager student and has already begun his summer semester coursework. Patou will be a great addition to the Model Shop, and we look forward to working with him in partnership with Whirlpool.”

Whirlpool Corporation in Cleveland has partnered with Cleveland State for two registered apprenticeship programs for employees. Five employees in the maintenance department are participating in the Industrial Maintenance Repairer Apprenticeship along with Libbey and Marshall in the Prototype Model Maker Apprenticeship. 

“This is really a dream job of mine; I like building and putting things together,” said Libbey. “That is why I wanted to go to the Model Shop, to learn as much as I can and go back to school.”

According to Apprenticeship TN, a registered apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce. Registered apprenticeship programs are approved by the U. S. Department of Labor and benefit employers with increased productivity, safety, worker versatility and employee retention. Most companies see a 94% retention rate after an apprentice completes the program. 

Employees benefit from apprenticeships by gaining paid, relevant workplace experiences while acquiring the skills and credentials that employers value. Employees receive progression wages during the program and earn a journeyman license recognized by industry. Apprenticeship provides affordable paths to secure, high-paying jobs and careers without the typical student debt. 

For more information about registered apprenticeship programs, contact Cleveland State Director of Workforce Development, Heather Brown, hbrown@clevelandstatecc.edu or (423) 614-8793. 

Pictured above, Whirlpool apprentices, Libbey Patou (left) and Patrick Marshall (center) register for fall term classes with Dr. Tim Wilson, Advanced Technologies Department Chair.