Left to Right: Man-Tra-Con Employer Services Manager Emily Perks, Apprentice Thomas Gibson, and Pepsi MidAmerica Vice President of Fleet and Facilities Larry Chambers.
With assistance from Man-Tra-Con Corporation and Apprenticeship Illinois, Thomas Gibson enrolled in a 4-year Apprenticeship Program (AP) at Pepsi MidAmerica in July of 2021. Thomas had studied Diesel Technology at Southeastern Illinois College before enrolling in the AP program at Pepsi. The AP program allowed Thomas to earn wages while training to become an Industrial Truck Mechanic. He completed the program in April of 2025.
Pepsi MidAmerica held a cookout on May 22, 2025, to honor their star employees and present them with Department of Labor award certificates for completing the program.
Here’s what Pepsi said about Thomas in the company’s FizzBizz magazine, “Thomas Gibson has been recognized as our Top Mechanic for 2024, with an average year-to-date productivity of 96%. Thomas is a Southeastern Illinois College graduate, with primary focus on Diesel Technology and he’s been with us for 3 years. Thomas has quickly established himself as a “Go To” mechanic here at the Fleet Department and he also earned the right to serve as a backup to our Night Shift Foreman. Congratulations Thomas! Your hard work is very much appreciated.”
Man-Tra-Con Employer Services Manager Emily Perks and Man-Tra-Con Employer Services Coordinator Abby Russell attended the cook out to celebrate Thomas for his excellent work in the program and beyond.
Congratulations, Thomas! We are so proud of you and wish you much success.