Mohawk's Work-Based Learning Program

“What comes next?”

?For thousands of high school upperclassmen, this thought is a daunting one, as they search for pathways to travel that allows them to learn and develop as young adults. Mohawk’s Work Based Learning program allows these students to gain valuable work experience in tandem with their ongoing education and getting paid in the process.

The WBL program currently has students scattered across Mohawk’s many campuses and careers, including three in customer experience in Calhoun, two in our Caradon facility and two in our Antioch facility. In Customer Experience, Yetziel X. Figueroa, Maggie Myers, and Johnathan Corado work with Mohawk customers to assist them in any way possible as they place their orders. This work experience allows them to see what different pathways their future may hold. “The great aspect of WBL is a person can explore opportunities in their own pathway,” said Figueroa. “By having WBL it gives more insight as to what a person is getting themselves into and whether it is what they want or not.”

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The program allows these students the ability to gain insight in tandem with their schedules, so they are able to fulfill the responsibilities they have outside of work. “The WBL program has given me several opportunities. One of them is that it allows me to come into to work right after class.” said Corado. “I think it's valuable because it allows you to hold multiple responsibilities like going to school and then coming to work.”

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Students aren’t limited to office positions when in the WBL program as there are many part-time opportunities in manufacturing plants as well. Jose Sanchez and Caden Clements work wrapping and transporting rolls and have both stated how valuable the WBL at the Antioch plant in Dalton, Ga has been for them. “The program helps develop skills that can be used later in life,” said Clements. “The opportunity to work here while going to school has been great and I have enjoyed my time here so far.” Gaining valuable life experience was a sentiment Sanchez also believed is one of the best outcomes of WBL. “Work based learning is a good way to give you that experience of life while saving money and being responsible,” said Sanchez.

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Antioch is not the only plant that utilizes WBL. At Mohawk’s Caradon facility in Chatsworth, GA, Cody Holcomb and Eli Stanley work as twister operators and rave about the program’s value. “It’s given me the opportunity to learn,” said Holcomb. “Before I didn’t even know what, a Twister was but now, I can tell others how it’s made and why it’s important for the carpet-making process.” Learning a new trade-in conjunction with traditional schooling can be just one of the valuable outcomes of WBL. “It’s a great way to gain experience while going to school,” said Stanley. “It’s helped me try to see what my options are when I graduate. I have more perspective about my plans after school and I’m able to learn from some really knowledgeable employees from Mohawk.”

For local students, the WBL offers them opportunities to grow as they finish school and plan for their future. “I would recommend the WBL program to my peers because this is a great opportunity to work at Mohawk, because this is not just a part-time job, it's a career,” said Corado. “I would add that my favorite part about working here is the snacks in the break room.”