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A program designed to help companies provide training opportunities, continues to hit a high note with employers and their staff. The Incumbent Worker Program is one of the newest initiatives administered by the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA). The program is funded by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth under the Federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998.This program continues to keep manufacturing companies ahead of the game and remain competitive in an economy that has lost more than 16,000 jobs in Wayne County alone. Since its inception in June 2002, the Incumbent Worker Program has helped more than 30 companies in Wayne County. Margie LeNoir, incumbent worker coordinator, said the program is able to upgrade employees’ skills quickly. “Providing skills upgrade, businesses and employees can be more self-sufficient in this economy,” she said. With the current economic conditions, many companies don’t have the luxury of waiting, and with a trained workforce, businesses can be more productive, explained LeNoir. LeNoir said to be selected for the training program, companies must be for-profit with at least 10 full-time employees and have recently made capital investments. They must also contribute to the state’s unemployment insurance system and be up-to-date on all state tax obligations. Gary Slater, general manager of Hagn Elastomer Corporation in Plymouth, said his company came forward as a result of the current economic position. “The global economy today is looking for low-cost high quality products, so they can cut cost,” said Slater. “This program provides us with the opportunity to stay alive and remain competitive,” he said. The Hagn Elastomer Corporation has received $30,000 for lean manufacturing training, which is the elimination of waste. Slater said in addition to the funding, employees are excited about the training because it alleviates the stress of losing one’s job. LeNoir said lean manufacturing training is one of the most expedient ways to become competitive. “Most companies are requiring it and most clients are demanding it,” said LeNoir. So far, the program has opened up the doors for various types of training including: the Federal Aviation Administration, Driver Safety Training for commercial freight drivers, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Robotics, Quality Standard Mandates such as ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001. Gene Bialey, vice president of human resources for Diamond Electric Manufacturing Corporation, a plant that supplies engine parts to the automotive industry, said, with the assistance of the Incumbent Worker program and Monroe County Community College, employees had the opportunity to take advantage of a virtual learning program. As a result of this program, employees learned basic math and various techniques to obtain and identify information that will help them on the job, according to Bialey. Bialey said in addition to the training modules, Diamond Electric supplemented the training with an instructor for support with personal life issues because of a large number of mid-career employees and women reentering the workforce. According to Bialey, the training will help employees five to 10 years down the road and help them take positive steps. |