A graduation event to honor the eighth maintenance co-op class of the Goodyear Maintenance Co-Op Technician Program at the Washburn Institute of Technology will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 13 at the Washburn Tech conference center.
The 2012 graduating class of eight consists of four incumbent associates and four newly hired associates.
Ten years ago the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company established a relationship with Washburn Tech to offer a Maintenance Co-Op Technician Program to improve the skills of current as well as prospective maintenance technicians at its Topeka manufacturing plant. The first class of eight graduated in January 2004.
“We
are proud of our associates who are graduating today and of the
relationship we have had with Washburn Tech over the past decade,” said
Goodyear-Topeka Plant Manager Steve Otradovec. “Through our partnership
with Washburn Tech, Goodyear has been able to train and develop dozens
of highly-skilled workers, each of whom are integral to the success of
our organization.”
“As a result of our collaboration with firms such as Goodyear, increased opportunities are available to area residents, employers, and the communities we serve,” said Washburn Tech Dean, Clark Coco. “More and more people are recognizing the quality job opportunities available after completing technical training. Washburn Tech deeply values this partnership with Goodyear as we continue to strengthen our educational and training opportunities for area residents and employers.”
The
Goodyear Maintenance Co-Op Technician Program is divided into two
phases. In the first phase, common craft skills are taught. In the
second phase, craft specific skills are taught (electrician, mechanic,
pipe fitter) based on the trainee’s craft designation. Training in all
areas includes classroom and lab instruction, computer based training
and structured on-the-job training. The second phase of class nine will
begin next week.
For more information on educational opportunities at Washburn Tech please call (785) 273-7140 or visit www.washburntech.edu. For more information about Goodyear please visit www.goodyear.com.
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Jonathan Wimer, Washburn Tech, coordinator of continuing education and marketing, (785) 228-6390
Whitney E. Watson, Goodyear-Topeka, (785) 295-7324
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Wednesday, June 13, Washburn Tech conference center
