Vincennes University Business & Industry, in partnership with the Mid-America Science Park and Scott County Economic Development Corporation’s Regional Manufacturing Alliance (RMA), awarded 27 Advanced Leadership Training and seven Manufacturing Technician Training certificates to local employees on Dec. 18. The graduates, employed by American Plastics Molding Corporation, Austin Tri-Hawk Automotive, Buchanan Group, ILPEA Industries, Morgan Foods, Samtec and Viking Plastics, received their certificates at a special ceremony held at the Mid-America Science Park in Scottsburg.
The courses were offered through the RMA, a Scott County initiative to strengthen the regional workforce for better business retention and attraction. Additionally, the leadership courses help local manufacturers who look for opportunities to promote from within, especially in today’s tight job market. Employers find value in both new and experienced managers receiving leadership training as they advance into roles with more responsibility. In some cases, participants can receive college credit for course completion.
Advanced Leadership trainees learned how to build a high-performance team, influence change, and empower employees through effective leadership, positive employee relations and trust. The 20-hour module also taught students how to introduce and sustain innovation with maximum collaboration and minimal disruption. Participants included technicians, shift supervisors and managers in production, assembly and customer service roles.
The RMA also offers skill development courses in manufacturing. Students participating this fall learned skills needed for high-demand technician jobs, completing 56 instructional hours focused on CNC machining, advanced electrical, 3-phase electrical, hydraulics and pneumatics.
“The RMA’s partnership with the Mid-America Science Park and Vincennes University is strengthening the local economy as employees gain valuable skills that can be implemented immediately to improve production processes,” said Craig Mull, plant manager at Samtec. “The unique benefit of the courses at the Mid-America Science Park is that they were designed in partnership with regional manufacturers. Our input led to a customized approach to training that is only available in Scottsburg.”
The Regional Manufacturing Alliance (RMA) is a consortium of partner employers, Vincennes University, the Scott County Economic Development Corporation and the Mid-America Science Park. The RMA was created by the Scott County Economic Development Corporation to strengthen the position of regional manufacturers by working collaboratively to engage, advocate and educate. The City of Scottsburg created the Mid-America Science Park in 2011 with the vision to attract and retain well-paying jobs for area residents and enrich the quality of life in the region. For more information, please visit www.maspark.org/rma.
