On November, 18, 2014, participants in Logan County's Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing program were recognized with an open house at the Logan County Economic Development Partnership's temporary offices in the
Farm Bureau building. The eight-week program is a federally subsidized training and study opportunity to help prepare and qualify employees for quality jobs. If enough interest is expressed, another program is being considered.
 

Manufacturing training program jumpstarts employee/employer relationship

[March 06, 2015]  LINCOLN - Late last November a first of its kind graduation took place in Logan County. A celebration observing the achievement of seven adults who took part in Logan County's Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing (ATIM) program was held at the offices of the Logan County Economic Development Partnership. The occasion also served as a 'Meet and Greet' between the program's graduates and potential employers.

The Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing (ATIM) program serves as an economic incentive to aid the manufacturing industry and to spur employment. The program is sponsored through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which is uses federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds.

The program was brought to Logan County after the Logan County Economic Development Partnership executive director, Bill Thomas, asked members of the Logan County Manufacturers Council what they needed most.

Local employers wanted to be able to find and hire qualified employees.

Good jobs and good employees are oftentimes difficult to put together.

From the perspective of someone wanting to find work where they can make a good wage and like what they do; finding a job with benefits and long-term security with a quality employer can be challenging.

The flip-side of the same coin, employer's want to hire employees who will be reliable in attendance and consistently commit to quality and safety standards, stay longer than the investment made to train; which in turn reduces costs, increases company efficiency, and results in increased profits.

Providing potential employers with employees that understand the requirements of the work, puts everyone at an advantage.

Larry Peterson understands the demands of an employer as he operates a manufacturing and distribution company, Domino Engineering Corp., located in Taylorville. Peterson serves as the project manager and consultant for Central Illinois Advanced Manufacturing Partnership. He facilitates the training/study programs around central Illinois.

On September 19, 2014, Eaton Corporation hosted the inaugural Logan County ATIM session, which included a tour of that facility. Classes were held at Heartland College thereafter.

For the Logan County program, students spent eight weeks attending classes, five nights a week, four hours a session; plus they had as much homework and studies to do each day.

As part of the program, students also self-studied for four critical production functions identified by the Manufacturing Skills Standard Credential: Safety; Manufacturing processes and production; Quality practices and measurement; and Maintenance awareness. The students were required to pass each of the four proctored tests to earn Certified Production Technician and as part of their graduation requirement.

The program also offers wage incentives to employers for additional specialized training in jobs where needed.

Participants received work-based learning opportunities with manufacturing employers, ongoing team counseling and assistance in finding permanent job placement.

Last week Peterson gave an update of the eight students who had enrolled in Logan County's program last fall.

• The seven students who graduated had completed all the classroom requirements and passed all four of the Manufacturing Skills Standard Credential tests.
   
• Four of the grads did get manufacturing jobs at Eaton.
   
• One graduate retained his holiday job at Walmart.
   
• One grad is still looking for a job.
   
• Another of the graduates has opted to forego working in manufacturing for time being and pursue other interests.
  • One student is still conducting a self-study to gain the last of five credentials.

For those who would like a career in manufacturing, the ATIM supplies the opportunity to build strengths in essential training and supplies an individual with credentials.

From an employer perspective, those who graduate not only have gained valued skills and know more about what the job might entail, but also have shown qualities in their potential as an excellent employee.

Thomas said that he is in the process of trying to coordinate another Manufacturer's Council meeting to be held in March, to which all manufacturers in Logan County would be invited.

Petersen said that the local manufacturer's interest would determine if another Certified Production Technician Course should be offered. The workNet Center and Economic Development people will help promote the program and Heartland Community College is once again willing to conduct the training.

[Jan Youngquist]

You may contact Bill Thomas at the Logan County Economic Development Partnership at 217-732-8739 about manufacturing opportunities or needs in Logan County.

More information about this program is available at: www.ilworknetmanufacturing.com/ATIM 
or contact. Larry Peterson, Project Manager, Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing (ATIM) 217-820-0577 [e-mail]