Employees at Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi (YTMM) in West Point, Mississippi, are learning new skills while working and even earning degrees via the company’s Maintenance Apprenticeship Program. YTMM produces commercial truck tires.

Philip Calhoun, YTMM’s general manager/vice president of operations, said the program, which was implemented in 2024 and is in partnership with East Mississippi Community College, was designed to help develop more skilled trade workers at YTMM.

“At Yokohama, employees are our most valuable asset,” Calhoun said. “Helping employees with hands-on experience to hone their skills or learn new ones paves the way for career advancement. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them and the company.”

The program is a blend of on-site training and classroom education. Employees can work toward an associate degree while gaining on-the-job experience, creating a direct pathway into maintenance and other technical roles at YTMM. Calhoun said Yokohama covers 100% of the cost and the books.

Employees in the program begin on the production floor before moving into more technical roles, including maintenance. The transition introduces new challenges, but also new opportunities to build specialized skills and take on more complex responsibilities.

“It’s a win-win for Yokohama and our area,” said Michael Busby, vice president of career technical and workforce education at East Mississippi Community College. “They’re coming to school, still employed, and giving back to the industry.”

Calhoun said the program has been a major success and that several employees are about to graduate.

“The program has helped build confidence and develop skills that extend beyond the workplace,” Calhoun said.  “It’s part of our long-term workforce strategy focused on developing talent internally. If you can’t find the talent, then you have to develop your own people. And that’s what we are doing.”