The employees at Westlake Chemical have been represented by the IAM since 1948. The history and work culture have given way to a beneficial apprenticeship program that has endured since 1953. The Westlake Chemical Apprenticeship Program gives an opportunity to current employees who wish to further their skills and seek a higher level of technical education. The Program offers apprenticeships in instrumental, electrical, machining and welding. This program is one of the last in-house certification programs left in the state of Louisiana.
Due to Covid 19 the graduation ceremonies for the joint apprenticeship program orchestrated by Westlake Chemical Corporation and the International Association of Machinists have been placed on hold since 2019.
Bethany Price (blue dress) was awarded 2019's apprentice of the year; our member John Bell (far right) also completed the apprenticeship program with flying colors. IAM District W2021 Business Representative Wade Istre, IAMAW Local Lodge President Nina Baldridge and Local Lodge 470 Financial Secretary/Apprenticeship Committee member Charles Cubbage were there to present and congratulate our members on their new certificates and hard-earned wage increases.
Jordan Herbert Westlake Chemical's Apprentice of the Year for 2020 unfortunately had to work and was not able to attend the ceremony with our proud graduates, Logan Basden and Hunter Johnson. The IAM takes pride in our work with Westlake Chemical to help give opportunity and skilled education to our members for the last 70 years. we look forward to many more and a big Congratulations to the classes of 2019 and 2020!
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