Manufacturing Technician Pipeline Program

Workforce Innovation Submitted By: Yuma Private Industry Council, Inc

Community Challenge/Problem

A business & retention survey uncovers a need for specialized manufacturing training within community businesses.

The Yuma Private Industry Council worked with the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation (GYEDC), to disseminate a Business and Retention Survey. From the survey, which was given to local businesses, the team learned that local manufacturing companies were having difficulty retaining and promoting incumbent employees because of the need for specialized training. As a result, highly skilled employees were leaving the company for other jobs, and remaining employees could not be promoted because they lacked the skillsets needed.

Board Solution/Innovation

The Yuma Private Industry Council, Inc. (YPIC), GYEDC, Arizona Western College, and the Yuma Manufacturers Association worked together to develop specialized training for a career ladder process which would benefit all the manufacturers. Three areas for training were developed: training for employed workers in electronics and engineering; training for employed workers in leadership and supervision; and training for high school seniors, older youth and adults to fill front line positions and create a pipeline of workers.

A pilot program was developed utilizing NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) curriculum to offer courses for college credit and national certification as industrial maintenance technicians.

Outcomes & Results

Fifty-one students were enrolled; 40 successfully completed the coursework; and 12 received certificates as Industrial Maintenance Technicians. Some of the employees are now certified to teach the courses.

In addition, twenty-six high school students were enrolled in Core Manufacturing Curriculum and 24 successfully completed the coursework. The seniors in the program were offered interviews with the manufacturers.

Another notable result of this collaboration are the ongoing partnerships between workforce providers, business/industry, local government, and educational providers. Many companies involved have agreed to work with GYEDC and offer testimonials to provide information on the wonderful opportunities available in the community when companies are considering locating in Yuma County.

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