Banner
Training & Education

Investing in the modern workforce

By Udo O.J. Huff, M.ED.

Taking the first steps toward effectively training your workforce

January 2013 - These days, there is a clear and widespread need for technical training. Jobs are available but go unfilled because there are not enough qualified applicants. One answer to this dilemma is for employers to establish training programs, hire people who are willing and able to learn, and develop their own skilled workforce.

Starting up

If someone wants to start a technical training project or program, regardless of whether it is a short-term or long-term undertaking, certain elements are necessary for the operation to be successful.

• A company-wide needs assessment of existing skills and training requirements and options.

• A record of each employee’s learning experiences and occupational profile.

• A determination of the length of the training, including whether it will be short-term or long-term, the type of program and the overall scope. 

• A list of what skills and knowledge will be taught and the delivery method for each (traditional classroom, hands-on, hybrid, online or a mix of these methods).

• An assessment plan to evaluate the progress of training, lessons learned and improvement as a result of the training.

Let us consider some of these items in further detail.

Describe the job

Embarking upon a needs assessment will require job descriptions, which are the largest components of this task. Let’s use the metal fabricating and forming position of an Industrial Machine Technician as an example. 

The IMT requires a specialty in machine and system technology. The individual works with handtools; manual and CNC tool machines, like CNC lathes and CNC milling machines; different types of drilling machines; surface grinders, including OD and lD; and modern manufacturing equipment, including robots and multi-axis motion systems.

The IMT interprets blueprints for the production and assembly of machine parts according to blueprint specifications. The individual is knowledgeable in material properties concerning wear, erosion and stress behavior. Customer or production changes require the IMT to apply sheet metal working skills.

The IMT programs CNC machines and handling systems and makes necessary tool selections. He or she is able to set up the machine system and prepare the work area for the machining process. The individual must consider the safety and environmental conditions affected by all operations.

The IMT operates and monitors machine parts and modules, as well as complex machine systems like handling systems, transfer lines and different types of robot systems with high tolerance measuring instruments. He or she knows how to work with hydraulic and pneumatic systems and is able to use machine diagnostic and measuring equipment to ensure high manufacturing quality and to control the production process online.

The IMT prepares detailed documentation regarding the manufacture of specialty machines for company and customer inspection and use. The individual interacts closely with other technicians on the machine assembly. He or she must meet a production schedule.

The IMT requires a  high school education with a good knowledge of mathematics and physics. A journeyman card will be issued after successfully completing the apprenticeship program.

Define the program

The company will need to decide on a budget, a trainer and a location for the training. It also should establish tentative career paths for its employees. Also it’s important to establish a way to measure the value of that training.

A few helpful resources are available to assist in developing training programs. Information about the Department of Labor’s apprenticeship training programs and resources are available through the State Labor Laws link at www.dol.gov.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills certifies individual skills against established standards. It also offers additional information at www.nims-skills.org. Another good resource is your local technical college. Rather than starting from scratch, you may be able to partner with a nearby institution in curriculum development and facility use.

This article should encourage readers to think about their employees’ need for training and skills enhancements and to implement and support such training.

Just as there is no free lunch, there always are costs associated with education. But with good planning the resources devoted to education can become a sound investment. FFJ

Udo O.J. Huff is an independent consultant with project experience in machine building, welding engineering, training and development. He holds Master of Education and Bachelor of Science in Technology degrees from Bowling Green State University. Questions or comments? E-mail uhuff@sbcglobal.net.

 

 

LATEST ISSUE  
Cover Full size FFJ0923 noQR 1

lineclearSEPTEMBER 2023

CLASH OF TRADES

Meet the Next Generation of Skilled Trades

TJS 60 Years Ad 940x788

LVD Shaping flows Banner Right Side Square 2 adaptive 330x285 US

Udo O.J. Huff, M.ED.

Banner

Company Profiles

AIR FILTRATION

IRONWORKERS

NICKEL ALLOY

SERVICE CENTERS

Camfil APC - Equipment Trilogy Machinery Inc. Sandmeyer Steel Company
Admiral Steel
Camfil APC - Replacement Filters     Alliance Steel
 Donaldson Company Inc.    

LASER TECHNOLOGY

PLASMA TECHNOLOGY

 BENDING/FOLDING AMADA AMERICA, INC.

SOFTWARE

MetalForming Inc.

Mazak Optonics Corp.

PLATE

Enmark Systems Inc.
RAS Systems LLC
MC Machinery Systems Inc. Peddinghaus Lantek Systems Inc.
 Murata Machinery, USA, Inc. Sandmeyer Steel Company SigmaTEK Systems LLC
TRUMPF Inc.

PLATE & ANGLE ROLLS

Striker Systems
      Bayern Software

BEVELING

Trilogy Machinery Inc.
Steelmax Tools LLC

LINEAR POSITION SENSORS

   MTS Sensors   STAINLESS STEEL
      Sandmeyer Steel Company

COIL PROCESSING

 MATERIAL HANDLING

PRESS BRAKE TOOLING

STAMPING/PRESSES

Bradbury Group

EMH Crane

Mate Precision Tooling AIDA-America Corp.
Burghardt + Schmidt Group Fehr Warehouse Solutions Inc.
Rolleri USA Nidec Press & Automation
Butech Bliss

PRESS BRAKES

STEEL

Red Bud Industries UFP Industrial AMADA AMERICA, INC. Alliance Steel
      Texas Iron and Metal
      SURPLUS STEEL
      Texas Iron and Metal

MEASUREMENT & QUALITY CONTROL

Automec Inc.

TUBE & PIPE

 

Advanced Gauging Technologies MC Machinery Systems Inc. BLM Group

METAL FABRICATION MACHINERY

SafanDarley HGG Profiling Equipment Inc.
   Cincinnati Inc.   National Tube Supply

DEBURRING/FINISHING

ATI Industrial Automation

PUNCHING

Prudential Stainless & Alloys

ARKU

Scotchman Industries Inc.

LVD Strippit Hougen Manufacturing

 

Lissmac Corp. Trilogy Machinery Inc.

SAWING

SuperMax Tools   Behringer Saws Inc. WATERJET
Timesavers   Cosen Saws Barton International
Randbright
DoALL Sawing
Jet Edge Waterjet Systems

METAL FORMING

HE&M Saw
Omax Corp.
HYDRAULIC PRESSES FAGOR Arrasate USA Inc. Savage Saws

WELDING

Beckwood Press Co.
 MetalForming Inc.    American Weldquip

Triform

    Strong Hand Tools
IDENTIFICATION/TRACKING

MICROFINISHING TOOLS

T. J. Snow Company
InfoSight
Titan Tool Supply Inc.

 

       
     

TPMG2022 Brands


BPA_WW_MASTER.jpg