WCI recently launched a new training and mentorship program for onboarding new Entry Level Machine Operators. As many workers from outside the manufacturing industry seek stable positions in essential businesses, WCI provides a clear and direct path to success for even the most inexperienced new employee. Giving unexperienced machine operators confidence in what could be an uncomfortable or overwhelming new work situation.
From the minute a new team member walks through the door, they are assigned a mentor. The goals and expectations are clearly defined and each day the new employee leaves with a “win” – learning at least three new skills. The goal is for new machine operators to be proficient on at least three machines within 30 days.
One recent graduate of the program is a participant in the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Youth Apprenticeship program. Adam, a junior at DePere High School, joined WCI for his apprenticeship because he wanted to gain work experience in an industrial field. Within two months, he passed proficiency tests on more than four machines.
“I’ve never worked in this type of environment before,” Adam says. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the people were friendly, and the training program had realistic goals.”
Mentor Todd Larock has been with WCI for more than 5 years. He takes pride in sharing his knowledge with new operators and guiding them throughout the program.
“Giving people the tools they need to safely produce quality product for our customers is job #1 at WCI. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to share my experience. Their success is my success,” Todd commented.
Skills including safety, quality, effective machine operation and basic troubleshooting are the core topics during the 30-day training program. It breaks down into 3-day training sections, based on our current 3-day, 12-hour shifts.
Week 1 focuses on general orientation, expectations, safety, overall product knowledge and quality. After that machine knowledge and computer skills are added. The second and third weeks are when new Machine Operators are given the tools to learn what they’ll need to run their machines independently with less supervision.
“Whether you previously have restaurant, retail or other non-manufacturing experience we encourage you to apply and see what WCI has to offer,” says WCI president Rich Bierman. “We’re looking for reliable and hardworking team members to reach their potential and bring WCI to the next level of success.”