Walters State, Ober Mountain Develop Partnership

Officials from Walters State and Ober Mountain has signed an apprenticeship training for maintenance mechanics that will be trained both on the job and in the classroom while employed by the Sevier County attraction. From left are Dr. Tony Miksa, president of Walters State; Tasha Wade, vice president of Accounting and Administration at Ober Mountain; Dr. Kim Bolton, dean of the Claiborne County Campus and interim dean of Workforce Training; Michelle May, Ober Mountain human resources director; Dr. Anita Ricker, assistant dean of Workforce Training; Mark Adams, president of Ober Mountain; Dr. Mark Hurst, vice president of business and finance; and Dr. Jama Spicer Sutton, dean of the Sevier County Campus.

Apprenticeship Program Starts at Ober Mountain

Ober Mountain has partnered with Walters State Community College to develop an apprenticeship program for maintenance mechanics. The apprenticeship program has been approved by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Ober Mountain employees participating in the program will learn valuable skills both on the job and in the classroom.

“We are excited to partner with Walters State in the apprenticeship program. This is an opportunity to teach skills that students will use in their future careers,” said Amy Warner, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Ober Mountain. “Our hope is that after graduation, the students will achieve their career goals right here at Ober.”

Ober Mountain is planning to start 2 applicants in the apprenticeship program in January. 

“Ober Mountain has been a constant presence in our service area since 1962, providing employment for area residents while hosting visitors from throughout the world,” said Dr. Tony Miksa, president of Walters State. “We are honored to work with them to meet their current workforce needs. Through one-on-one planning, our Division of Workforce Training was able to develop a program that meets the training needs of this unique employer.”

Apprentices receive valuable on-the-job training and are paid while learning. Employees in the program will learn engineering technology skills and complete the requirements for certifications in a variety of areas, including ones provided by the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Credit classes taken may be applied to a technical certificate or the associate of applied science degree. 

“Apprenticeship programs include credit and non-credit courses to provide a customized program that meets the exact needs of Ober Mountain,” said Dr. Anita Ricker, assistant dean for workforce training. 

 For more information on beginning an apprenticeship program, contact Ricker at Anita.Ricker@ws.edu or 423-620-2730. For information about opportunities at Ober Mountain, call 865-277-8847 or aholcombe@obergatlinburg.com.

 Walters State has developed apprenticeships program for 16 occupations. Maintenance mechanic is one of the most popular, but programs have been developed for bank tellers and for butchers.

CUTLINE: Officials from Walters State and Ober Mountain has signed an apprenticeship training for maintenance mechanics that will be trained both on the job and in the classroom while employed by the Sevier County attraction. From left are Dr. Tony Miksa, president of Walters State; Tasha Wade, vice president of Accounting and Administration at Ober Mountain; Dr. Kim Bolton, dean of the Claiborne County Campus and interim dean of Workforce Training; Michelle May, Ober Mountain human resources director; Dr. Anita Ricker, assistant dean of Workforce Training; Mark Adams, president of Ober Mountain; Dr. Mark Hurst, vice president of business and finance; and Dr. Jama Spicer Sutton, dean of the Sevier County Campus.