Koyo Co-op trains for lifelong career
Resource from: Pickens Sentinel Likes:244
Feb 06,2015
PENDLETON — Over the next few years, Koyo Bearings in Walhalla will be facing a dilemma common to many manufacturers – filling jobs vacated by senior employees who take with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
As the company’s longtime employees, some of whom have been there three decades, reach retirement age and plan to leave the company, today’s challenge is to proactively hire a pipeline of qualified employees to succeed them, said Koyo’s Human Resources Analyst Kellie Smith.
These departures are creating opportunities for students like Wesley O’Kelley, a Machine Tool Technology major who is engaged in a work/based learning experience (co-op) that is giving him on-the-job training while he completes his degree.
“At 20, I’m training for a lifelong career,” said Wesley, a 2012 West-Oak High School graduate.
Smith estimates that 30 percent of the Tool and Die department, as well as several in the Maintenance Unit, will retire in the next three years. She is preparing for those vacancies by filling the slots with co-ops, like Wesley, and Tri-County graduates.
“It’s important to stay competitive and successful,” she added. “In searching for the best candidates, we are turning to Tri-County to help fill these positions.”
Tri-County offers a wide array of work-based learning experiences, including co-ops, internships, and technical scholars programs. The cooperative education program is designed to help meet the needs of local industries in their search for highly skilled employees. The co-op experience blends classroom studies with real work experience.
Job Placement Coordinator Cheryl Garrison spends much of her time recruiting students and companies for cooperative education experiences. Since 2012 Garrison has seen a 365 percent increase in the number of companies participating in work-based learning opportunities at Tri-County.
In October of 2012, there were 26 Tri-County students involved in work -based learning experiences at six companies in the College’s service area. Just 18 months later, there are nearly 100 students placed at 28 companies and growing.
“Every co-op is different, and the companies direct us in what they want,” she said.
To be successful in finding and growing new technical employees, a college must have a symbiotic relationship with industry, she said.
Work-based learning opportunities are mutually beneficial for the company and the students, said Garrison.
“It helps to connect them to industry, and it’s an opportunity to earn and learn at the same time, to build a résumé, and to get hands-on training in their fields of study. It’s a great way to learn the ropes at the company and to see if you are a good fit. By the time they graduate, they are work ready.”
Shop Leader Brian Turpin, a 1989 Machine Tool Technology graduate, says precision, problem-solving proficiency, and independent/critical thinking skills are paramount for a machinist.
“That’s why we are pairing Wesley with different individuals in all areas of the shop so he can benefit from their expertise. There are lot of people sharing their knowledge with Wesley,” said Turpin. “Wesley is working on real projects for the department and is really contributing to the process.”
Wesley works eight hours a day, four days a week in the paid co-op while maintaining an A average and Dean’s List status.
“We are looking for individuals well into their first year of college, with a GPA of B or better, who can understand blueprint reading, measuring equipment, and basic machinery. That’s what we have in Wesley,” said Frank Owens, supervisor for the Machine Shop and Maintenance Department. “Wesley won’t stop in the Machine Shop. He will move into the Tool and Die area quickly.”
Currently, Koyo Bearing’s West Union plant has five co-ops and interns on board.
(Pickens Sentinel)
【CBCC News Statement】
1.The news above mentioned with detailed source are from internet.We are trying our best to assure they are accurate ,timely and safe so as to let bearing users and sellers read more related info.However, it doesn't mean we agree with any point of view referred in above contents and we are not responsible for the authenticity. If you want to publish the news,please note the source and you will be legally responsible for the news published.
2.All news edited and translated by us are specially noted the source"CBCC".
3.For investors,please be cautious for all news.We don't bear any damage brought by late and inaccurate news.
4.If the news we published involves copyright of yours,just let us know.
1.The news above mentioned with detailed source are from internet.We are trying our best to assure they are accurate ,timely and safe so as to let bearing users and sellers read more related info.However, it doesn't mean we agree with any point of view referred in above contents and we are not responsible for the authenticity. If you want to publish the news,please note the source and you will be legally responsible for the news published.
2.All news edited and translated by us are specially noted the source"CBCC".
3.For investors,please be cautious for all news.We don't bear any damage brought by late and inaccurate news.
4.If the news we published involves copyright of yours,just let us know.
Previous Minebea Celebrated the Opening of a New J3DD Plant
Next NTN: Notification of Judgment for the Anti-Monopoly Act on Bearings
Next NTN: Notification of Judgment for the Anti-Monopoly Act on Bearings
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Cnbearing is the No.1 bearing inquiry system and information service in China, dedicated to helping all bearing users and sellers throughout the world.
Cnbearing is supported by China National Bearing Industry Association, whose operation online is charged by China Bearing Unisun Tech. Co., Ltd.
China Bearing Unisun Tech. Co., Ltd owns all the rights. Since 2000, over 3,000 companies have been registered and enjoyed the company' s complete skillful service, which ranking many aspects in bearing industry at home and abroad with the most authority practical devices in China.
