Seven Mohawk employees complete historic apprenticeship program

From left, Mohawk Apprenticeship Graduates Richard Chesley, Jonathan Blackmon, Jose Pizano, Dale Witt, John Roach, Anthony Adams, and Richard Dodd celebrate their achievement.
First in state to complete nationally-recognized mechatronics training that combines work experience, classroom education
Seven employees at Mohawk’s Summerville, Ga. manufacturing facility have officially made history.
In September, Anthony Adams, Jonathan Blackmon, Richard Chesley, Richard Dodd, Jose Pizano, John Roach and Dale Witt were the first in the state of Georgia to complete Mohawk’s Apprenticeship Program.
The Summerville graduates finished the program in three years and received their apprenticeship certification. Several of the graduates have decided to continue their course of study to receive an associate’s degree in mechatronics.
“This is a great day for each of you and for Mohawk,” Senior Vice President of Human Resources Phil Brown said at the graduation. “This has been a new venture for all of us, and it’s filling a really important need that we have across the Company.”
With record low unemployment rates and rapidly evolving technical needs, Mohawk is growing its own talent through its nationally-recognized apprenticeship program that combines work experience and classroom education. The company’s ongoing mechatronics training includes mechanical, electrical, telecommunications, control and computer engineering skills.
“The time these seven individuals have put in learning on the job and working in the classroom enables them to pursue expanded career opportunities while also ensuring the future success of our business. We’re proud of them and excited to see what their future holds,” Brown said.
Mark Dye, Purchasing Vice President, worked with the apprenticeship graduates at the Summerville facility throughout the program and said their dedication to both improving themselves and their workplace is extraordinary.
“These guys don’t have ‘normal’ jobs – they’re on call seven days a week around the clock,” Dye said. “They’ve gone above and beyond the usual course of business, and I can’t say enough about their dedication and commitment to the company.”
For years, Mohawk has focused on a holistic approach to meeting the needs of the company’s employees. World-class safety standards, comprehensive benefits and opportunities for advancement through nationally-recognized training and development programs create an environment where employees can thrive in their
current and future positions with the company.
“We are so proud of these apprentices and their dedication to completing this program,” Director of Technical Training Linda McEntire said. “We know it can be challenging to balance work, school and home life, but we are so grateful to each of these talented individuals and their commitment to improving themselves and our company.”
To learn more about the company’s employment opportunities, visit mohawkcareers.com.