Wytheville Community College (WCC) recently recognized seven employees from Klockner Pentaplast (KP Films) in Rural Retreat who have completed the new Manufacturing Operations Apprentice Career Studies Certificate program.
Bane Billings, Brian Coleman, Shirley Hamilton, Jerry Hoback, Chad Holston, Patrick Smith, and Michael Taylor were the first completers of a cohort of 15 apprentices who enrolled in the program.
“WCC is pleased to be able to partner with Klockner Pentaplast to provide educational opportunities to their employee apprentices,” said Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President.
Roger Halsey, WCC’s Program Manager for Workforce Development Services, worked with Mary Ann Terry, Human Resource Manager at KP Films in Rural Retreat; Carol Brickey, Human Resource Manager at KP Films in Gordonsville; and David Shrontz, KP Films America Corporate Manager for Human Resources, to develop the program. In addition to the on-the-job apprenticeship opportunity, the program includes college courses in Business, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma training, OSHA 30 credentialing, and Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications.
“These employees who were recognized successfully managed their leadership roles at Klockner as part of the on-the-job component of their apprenticeship in addition to completing the required college coursework,” explained Halsey. “It has been a challenging path. They have learned how to navigate online courses while also balancing work and family life. They are to be commended for their accomplishments.”
In recognition of the accomplishments of the seven students, KP Films hosted a special luncheon. WCC representatives in attendance included Dr. Dean Sprinkle, President; Perry Hughes, Vice President of Workforce Development & Occupational Programs; Roland Hall, Dean of Workforce Development & Occupational Programs; Roger Halsey, Program Manager for Workforce Development Services; Dr. Rhonda Catron-Wood, Vice President of Institutional Advancement; and Susan Evans, Dean of Transfer & Educational Partnerships. Following the luncheon, the students led WCC representatives on a tour of the facility.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Klockner Pentaplast,” said Sprinkle. “WCC is committed to helping employers throughout our region invest in their employees. Programs like this benefit the employees themselves while also helping build a stronger workforce and strengthening our regional economy.”
A second cohort of students from KP Films is scheduled to begin the program this fall.
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Photo:
Klockner Pentaplast honored employees who were the first completers of the Manufacturing Operations Apprentice Career Studies Certificate program at Wytheville Community College. Pictured l-r: Michael Taylor (KP), Dr. Rhonda Catron-Wood (WCC), Roger Halsey (WCC), Bane Billings (KP), Dr. Dean Sprinkle (WCC), Shirley Hamilton (KP), Chad Holston (KP), Jerry Hoback, (KP), Patrick Smith (KP), Perry Hughes (WCC), Susan Evans (WCC), and Roland Hall (WCC). Not pictured: Brian Coleman (KP).