Five apprentices in the Industrial Maintenance Repairer Apprenticeship program at Cleveland State Community College recently completed the final course of their four-year program and presented a capstone project.
The apprentices are employees in the maintenance department at Whirlpool Corporation in Cleveland. They will soon complete over 8000 hours of on-the-job learning with specific competencies taught and outlined by Whirlpool. This Manufacturing Processes class completes the 576 hours of related technical instruction at Cleveland State.
In the capstone project, the apprentices studied manufacturing improvement processes in a mechatronics system and built a robotically loaded press and transfer system applying the knowledge learned throughout the program. The apprentices have taken training courses at the college in technical calculations, electrical components, motor controls, PLCs, robotics, electro-pneumatic and hydraulic control circuits, and more.
“This program is about more than developing technical skills and completing a program–it’s about investing in people and building the talent we need for the future of manufacturing,” Jeff Jones, Senior Director of Operations/Production at Whirlpool in Cleveland, said. “The commitment and hard work these apprentices have shown throughout the program, and now in their capstone project, is something to be proud of. We are grateful for our continued partnership with Cleveland State Community College and are always excited, proud and supportive of a program that gives people the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a career in skilled trades. Congratulations to everyone who has reached this important milestone.”
The Industrial Maintenance Repairer Apprenticeship prepares apprentices to perform work in maintenance occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Cleveland State’s Workforce Development Department serves as the official program sponsor and related technical instruction provider for the apprenticeship program.
Whirlpool Corporation is also a partner with Cleveland State on a Tool and Die Maker Apprenticeship. Five students will complete the four-year program in 2027. The college serves as program sponsor for Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeships with Mueller Company, Nokian Tyres and Starplex Scientific.
According to Apprenticeship TN, a registered apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce. Employees benefit from apprenticeships by gaining paid, relevant workplace experience while acquiring the skills and credentials that employers value. Employees receive wage progressions during the program and earn a journeyman license recognized by industry.
“The completion of this capstone course marks the culmination of four years of dedication, sacrifice, and achievement by these five apprentices, along with the unwavering support of our employer partner, Whirlpool, and the Cleveland State Workforce Department,” Heather Brown, Director of Apprenticeships and Internships, said. “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a role in this journey and contributed to their success. Watching these apprentices reach this milestone is truly inspiring. Proud is an understatement!” For more information about registered apprenticeship programs, contact Brown at heather.brown@cscctn.edu or (423) 614-8793.
Pictured Above: Whirlpool apprentices left to right: Tre Cannon, Courtney Walters, Canaan Bennett, Dakota Webb and Bryan Hafley pose with Workforce Instructor, Rick Monroe, at the capstone presentation.