19 Igloo Products Corp. employees gain valuable skills training through Blinn's Corporate Training Program

Blinn's grant-funded training helps local companies stay on the cutting edge of their industries

February 9, 2021

Nineteen Igloo Products Corp. employees recently completed year one of a mechatronics course offered by the Blinn College District that prepares them for new and upgraded positions. A three-year program in total, employees receive invaluable hands-on training in manufacturing and operations, supplying businesses with a more skilled workforce and placing employees on a trajectory to increased earnings.

An interdisciplinary branch of engineering, mechatronics focuses on robotics, electronics, computers, and product engineering. Administered through Blinn’s Corporate Training Program and partially funded through a Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Fund grant, Blinn’s mechatronics program includes training in technical math, blueprint reading, shop safety skills, hydraulics, industrial pneumatics, and industrial mechanics.

Igloo Product Corp. employees who completed the course include: James Autrey, Isabel Brito, Charles Brown, Ericka Cabrera, Martin Diaz, Korey Dorris, Olga Espinoza, Anthony Feikert, Theotis Foster, Juan Tim Gonzalez, Keith Homes, Alfonzo Fernando Jimenez Jr, Jay Love, Jose Lucas, Keith McDonald, Felix Ovalle, Edwin Santos, Glen Wilburn, and Daniel Yanes.

“Blinn is dedicated to helping local businesses succeed by ensuring their workforce has the tools necessary to remain competitive and innovative,” said Karla Flanagan, Dean of Technical and Community Education. “Our customized trainings help employees learn new skills and technologies, which not only benefits companies like Igloo, but our community as a whole.”

Through the Skills Development Fund Grant, Blinn developed a customized training program designed specifically for the needs of Igloo. In addition to mechatronics, Blinn provides Igloo employees training in electrical troubleshooting, process technology, powered industrial truck operation, precision measurement and thread gauging, lockout/tagout, manufacturing safety, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10- and 30-hour certifications, project management, and leadership.

Igloo is a Texas-based international designer, manufacturer, and marketer of coolers and other outdoor products and housewares. Founded in 1947, Igloo originated the cooler category and remains the number one cooler brand worldwide. For more than 73 years, the Igloo brand has been synonymous with quality, durability, and innovation.

“Between the guidance of Blinn College and the Texas Workforce Commission, we have been privileged to provide enhanced technical skills, career growth, and financial security to around 100 employees over the last 10-plus years,” said Cynthia Griffin, Director of Human Resources at Igloo Products Corp. “As a result of this program, we are able to offer a three-year training course for employees to expand their skillsets in manufacturing and operations, which allows them to realize new career opportunities and advancement.”

The Skills Development Fund provides local, customized training opportunities for businesses and workers to increase the skill level and wages of the Texas workforce. Blinn has secured millions of dollars in Skills Development Fund grants from the Texas Workforce Commission to help local employers, like Igloo, Blue Bell, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, and Tempur Sealy International develop and implement employee safety and skills training programs.

Businesses, consortiums, and trade unions with more than 100 employees are encouraged to contact the College at 979-209-7205 to explore partnering with Blinn for Skills Development Fund training opportunities. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees may be eligible for Skills for Small Business grants, and also are encouraged to contact Blinn for more information.

To learn more about opportunities available through Blinn’s Corporate Training Program visit www.blinn.edu/workforce/corporate-training.