Resource/learning centers make it easier to move up on daywork

by Tom Bishanell

Local 7-232 Compensation Analyst

As a Union Compensation Analyst dealing with the daywork job evaluation, it is evident the Briggs and Stratton and Strattec jobs that have the highest value are the ones that require greater knowledge and skill levels. This mandates training or testing on the employee’s part. The thought of going back to school to update job skills can initially be shocking. The Briggs & Stratton Training & Development Resource Center or the Strattec Learning Center offer the perfect solution.

My initial contact with the Resource Center came in 1989 when I was required to pass a Labor Grade 16 test to be eligible to transfer to the Vanguard Division as a Quality Operator “A”. Since then I have been back twice, successfully receiving the instruction needed for Labor Grade testing. The Resource Center works so well that I strongly encourage its use.

Location and Schedule for learning convenience

The Resource Center is conveniently located in the Corporate Office Building. Its hours on Mondays and Wednesdays are from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Usage is based on your personal free time and needs. It has a very warm and friendly atmosphere!

Once you attend the Resource Center you will see what makes it unique. Trained instructors will outline a course of action to enable you to reach your particular goals. All of your activity and information is confidential. You can work independently or receive personal attention, as needed. The Resource Center will provide a list of all the Labor Grade tests and their content sheets. You can learn the skills needed to pass the Labor Grade tests. These skills include the basics in blueprint reading, gauging and math. If you want to improve your writing skills or just learn how to use a computer, the Resource Center is the place. If you presently attend school, they will provide additional individualized tutoring.If you are interested in taking part in one of the apprenticeship programs, test preparation is available.

Intranet Access

The Resource Center can also be accessed on the Briggs & Stratton Intranet. You will be able to review all the online courses as well as any new services. If you do not have access to the Intranet, stop by the Resource Center. The staff will be happy to answer your questions and discuss training that may help you reach your goals.

Here is a partial list of the most frequently requested test sheets:

• CMM/Layout (Labor Grade 11)

• Customer Quality Assurance Auditor – Die Cast (Labor Grade 15)

• Gage Control (Labor Grade 15)

• Metal Quality Auditor (Labor Grade 16)

• Quality Analyst (Labor Grade 15)

• Quality Control Senior Auditor (Labor Grade 15)

• Setup Helper (Labor Grade 17)

• X-Ray Technician (Labor Grade 17)

If you have further questions or need additional information, contact the Corporate Training and Development Center at (414) 259-5422

Strattec Resources

Strattec opened its Learning Center on January 14, 1999, and has received a great deal of attention in the past year. It is an excellent resource for members wanting or needing to improve their skills. It is located just south of the Human Resource offices and can be accessed from the office area or West parking lot. It is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. M.A.T.C. Instructor Mernathan Sykes is available on Mondays from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 6:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

The Strattec Learning Center Mission Statement explains its goal and purpose, “To provide the resources and opportunity for all associates to enhance and develop skills required for their current positions as well as to learn skills for the future. These skills may be learned through self-paced methods, group workshops and/or independent study”.

During the spring, summer and fall semesters of 1999, the Strattec Learning Center offered 45 different workshops. These workshops included Beginners Computer Training, Introduction to the Internet, Communication Skills Development, SPC Test Preparation, Microsoft Office Skills, Math Basics, and Money Management using the Computer.

The Strattec Learning Center is also a warm, confidential and well-equipped facility. It has a library of business-related books, tapes and newsletters. It has 11 computers and a CAD station. The computers have Internet Access and you are encouraged to drop by and take a look at them. If you have further questions or need additional information, call the Learning Center at 414-247-3181. You can also contact Dian Fellows at Ext. 3589 or e-mail her at dfellows@strattec.com.