Originally posted by Hinds Community College, by | Sep 25, 2025
Continental Tire Apprentice Matthew Vanputten, a Bolton native now residing in Pearl, second from left, with Continental Tire Maintenance Manager Augusto Madeiros, Hinds Community College President Dr. Stephen Vacik and Brenda Myers, Supervisory Apprenticeship and Training Representative for the U.S. Department of Labor. Vanputten works as a production technologist at Continental as he finishes school at Hinds.
RAYMOND—Matthew Vanputten’s decision to attend Hinds Community College to earn a credential in electro-mechanical technology has been life changing. The 24-year-old, who grew up near Continental Tire in Bolton, recently was awarded a one-year production technologist apprenticeship at the plant, where he is working as he continues his education.
Matthew Vanputten, 24, a Bolton native now residing in Pearl, is a student in Hinds’ Electro-Mechanical program and an apprentice with Continental Tire in Clinton. Hinds is a sponsor of the apprenticeship program.
“I like the feeling of being able to fix something,” Vanputten said after signing his apprenticeship agreement on Sept. 24 during a Clinton Chamber of Commerce meeting held at Continental. “I am open to trying different things and learning new things even if it puts me in a challenging position.”
Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik said the apprenticeship program, sponsored by Hinds, is significant because it combines both work and learning opportunities, putting students on a path to their future. The opportunity will provide Vanputten with mentorship, structured training and wages as he progresses through the program.
“When somebody’s in our Career Technical program we want them not only to have the head knowledge, we want them to understand the practical piece of the trade,” Dr. Vacik said.
“They’re earning while they’re learning which is also significant because it helps them offset the cost of school and build a living. We want to make sure they’ve gotten these opportunities.”
Continental Clinton Plant Manager Tobias Hacker said the company likes to hire local young people to keep them in the community. The company partners with local high schools and community colleges like Hinds to expose students to the manufacturing environment in hopes that, like Vanputten, they will pursue a career there.
“I always tell the story that at our oldest plant in Mount Vernon, Ill., the plant manager actually started as a maintenance technician apprentice and is now plant manager,” Hacker said. “Hopefully, maybe 20 years from now, one of our apprentices can say that’s their career.”
Hinds Director of Talent, Workforce & Economic Development Josh Bower said the apprenticeship program is transforming the lives of Hinds students.
“They are truly invested in the local community and I want to thank them for that,” Bower said.
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With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.
Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.
Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.