Enhancing Recruitment Efforts with Public-Private Partnerships

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Solderers and SMT operators go through classroom training at TCC that covers J-STD, IPC Class 2, IPC-A-610 and repair operations. The rest of the training is done on-the-job by internal resources. There are defined skills competencies for each work cell and typically three-to-four pay grade levels in each work cell.

"We are strong believers in the use of Lean practices on the manufacturing floor and having a workforce that can shift among work cells as demand shifts is a core part of our manufacturing philosophy and competitive edge. To that end, we cross-train production associates and have systems in place such as p-Dash to ensure they have access to the information they need to do multiple jobs. Our goal is to have 40% of our associates cross-trained," said Starke.

A key benefit of the production associate skills certification system is many paths to advancement. Production associates have the ability to advance to higher levels in a single work cell by completing training and passing a competency test and can also advance by mastering skills in other work cells to become a multifunctional production associate.

However, the advancement opportunities don't stop there. Each work cell has lead operators, who are essentially first line supervisors.

"We offer soft skills training in leadership interpersonal skills and stress management as part of our group lead training activities. We also allow people who decide they have grown tired of being a lead to migrate to other positions on the floor. This ability to change career path helps with retention plus ensures continuing availability of lead positions," said McFatter.

To read the full version of this article which appeared in the May 2017 issue of SMT Magazine, click here.

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