Putnam Maintenance University Builds Skilled Trades Workforce Through Apprenticeship

Developing skilled workers is essential to meeting the needs of local employers, and Putnam Maintenance University is helping address that challenge by creating career pathways in the skilled trades. Through its connection with Workforce Connections, the program reflects the importance of collaboration between employers and workforce development organizations in preparing people for in-demand careers.

Putnam Maintenance University (PMU), established by Putnam Properties owners Chad Gilbert and Martin Ing, provides structured instruction and hands-on apprenticeship training for people interested in pursuing careers in the trades. The program is designed to help address the shortage of skilled technicians while giving participants a way to build experience and work toward recognized credentials.

Based in Cookeville, PMU focuses on practical training in fields such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, appliance repair and general maintenance. Apprentices learn alongside experienced professionals, apply their knowledge in real-world settings and develop skills that can support long-term career growth. The program does not require previous trade experience, opening the door for individuals who are ready to learn a new profession.

Workforce Connections helps strengthen the region's workforce by connecting employers with training resources and opportunities to develop talent. Its employer services include workforce pipeline development, training support and apprenticeship assistance. These efforts help businesses respond to staffing challenges while creating pathways for people to enter and advance in careers.

The connection between employers and workforce development is particularly important in the skilled trades. Businesses need employees who can maintain equipment, repair systems and keep homes and commercial facilities operating. Apprenticeship programs help meet that demand by combining instruction with practical experience, allowing workers to develop job-ready skills while learning from experienced technicians.

For individuals exploring their next career move, skilled-trades apprenticeships can offer an alternative to traditional education routes. Participants can learn through hands-on work, develop industry-specific knowledge and progress toward credentials that demonstrate their abilities.

For employers, investing in training can help build a more dependable talent pipeline and reduce reliance on finding experienced workers exclusively through outside hiring. Partnerships between businesses and workforce organizations help make that investment more effective by aligning training with real employment needs.

Putnam Maintenance University's work demonstrates how local employers can take an active role in preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople. With workforce development organizations such as Workforce Connections supporting employer needs across the Upper Cumberland, these efforts contribute to a stronger regional workforce and more opportunities for people to build careers close to home.