Man grateful for free manufacturing training

RICHMOND, Ind. (AP) - The possibility of a higher salary and promotion made choosing to take a class an easy decision for Thomas Lindsey.

Lindsey, a line operator in his fifth year at Primex Plastics in Richmond, participated in the Manufacturing Matters program.

Local men and women can now sign up for five weeks of training for advanced manufacturing opportunities.

"You just need to do it," Lindsey said. "It didn't take that long to complete, and when you complete the class, you have new skills you get to put on your resume to get that job you want. I don't know why anyone wouldn't take the class."

The training is free to qualified applicants, thanks to support from partners including local employers, Ivy Tech Community College and WorkOne.

The registration deadline has been extended to March 31 for Manufacturing Matters' production associate training.

This training session has been shortened so companies can hire trainees faster. Those who complete the program will be certified in safety and quality practices and measurements. They also will receive an Occupational Safety and Health Administration card to demonstrate knowledge of safe workplace practices.

Lindsey said he felt he knew quite a bit about his work before entering the class, but discovered he could learn more about improving production.

"You realize what you don't know," Lindsey said.

After participating in Manufacturing Matters, Lindsey said he received a raise. He's now waiting on a new position to be developed as a product line begins at Primex that could present an advancement opportunity.

Primex is one of the local factories that sponsor Manufacturing Matters. They offer a job fair for new program graduates.

Lindsey said he was able to speak with upper management at his company through that process and share his ideas. It was helpful for him to meet those company leaders "so they can remember what you're wanting to do and your goals," he said.

Lindsey also was grateful to receive soft skill training that helps workers learn about their colleagues' personalities and provides techniques to help break down communication barriers.

The shorter program is being offered because of requests from partner employers, said Acacia St. John, success coordinator for Manufacturing Matters. She said they wanted a shorter program so they could get the candidates into their workplaces faster.

Those interested in applying can go to the WorkOne offices in Richmond or Connersville to complete processing for the free tuition, and then apply for the training at manufacturingmatters.info.

St. John said morning and afternoon sessions are being offered for this program to help participants fit in training around their work or family schedules.

Training will be offered from 1 to 5 p.m. weekdays from April 12 through May 12 at McDaniel Hall on the Ivy Tech campus in Richmond. Or, participants can apply for the 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. session at Ivy Tech in Connersville on those same dates. Candidates must commit to the class schedule and attend every class.

After Manufacturing Matters training, the average hourly wage at placement is $11.03, with the highest wage at placement is $16. The highest reported long-term retention wage is $19 per hour.

Candidates need to score 4s in WorkKeys testing, which is available through Ivy Tech or WorkOne. They also need to have a high school diploma or be close to achieving their GED/HSE, know how to use a computer, pass a drug test and submit to random class drug testing during training.

___

Source: (Richmond) Palladium-Item, http://pinews.co/2nci7DX

___

Information from: Palladium-Item, http://www.pal-item.com