14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-Whirlpool employees prepare for life after layoffs

Whirlpool employees prepare for life after layoffs

By Gretchen Ross - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Noah Stubbs - email

EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - One month from Friday, Whirlpool is scheduled to start the first round of layoffs.

This means 500 to 600 workers are going to be out of the job.

Employees are starting to take advantage of opportunities at the plant, as well as courses offered by local colleges and universities.

"The people I work with are really, really good," employee Carmen Beard said. "We stick together and help take care of each other."

Beard has worked at Whirlpool for the past 19 years.

With the plant closing in June, Beard said it's time to get a jumpstart on a new career.

"My livelihood is hanging in the balance," Beard said. "What option do I have. You gotta go."

Beard said she has taken tests to assess her math, reading, and computer skills.

She said right now she wants to go into web design.

"I have a creative side that I could apply to that," Beard said.

Beard is not alone. Ivy tech officials said 900 Whirlpool workers have already taken orientation classes and career tests.

"The introductory classes that we offer are computer skills, test taking skills, and math," Ivy Tech faculty member Diane Meier said.

USI and UE are also preparing workers through a federal program that pays for technical and college courses.

"What USI has done is put together a program, a basic how to kit on if you wanted to start your own business the basic things that you need to do," USI Vice Provost of Outreach Ed Jones said. "Developing a business plan, looking for financing."

The Local 808 Union has set up a computer lab for Work One to start teaching classes in the next few weeks.

With many opportunities before her, Beard stays hopeful on landing her next job.

"It's a positive to go back and further your education," Beard said.

Ivy Tech will host a skills summit on March 13 for financial management and advice on career for Whirlpool workers.

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