At Techmetals in Dayton, investment in human resources is as important as investment in capital resources.
The 41-year-old industrial and commercial metal finishing company emphasizes employee learning for everyone, from new hires to veterans, says Phillip Brockman, director of business development and engineering.
Within the first two weeks, newcomers are required to perform some physical labor and read technical data. The tasks help Techmetals determine important characteristics about the person, such as whether they can read and follow directions, and if they're a "self-starter." The tasks also help the company evaluate the person's communication skills.
Everyone gets training in Steven Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," which emphasizes things like being proactive, planning, and understanding; and the FranklinCovey planner system, which assists time management and organization.
But that's not all. Other company-sponsored courses cover things like chemistry, math, blueprint reading, project management, supervision, safety, and the importance of a drug-free workplace.
Each employee gets $2,000 a year for outside learning, too, typically used at places such as Sinclair Community College and the University of Dayton. Brockman says the company spent $24,000 last year for sales training. One employee underwent $7,000 of computer training. Many employees also earn the credential Certified Electro Finisher – "it's like a degree in plating," he says.
And when a company class is held on a Saturday, off-duty employees get paid to be there.
A former COO is the continuous improvement director; he teaches many of the classes. And there are two on-site training facilities. The 2009 total for all this learning was over $125,000, excluding the continuous improvement director's salary.
Why, in an era of economic upheaval, does Techmetals still budget for these things?
"It helps establish our culture," Brockman says. "…And it helps us all use the same nomenclature and procedures."
It doesn't hurt retention, either, he says. Current employment is about 125. Average tenure is 18 years.
Source: Phillip Brockman, Techmetals
Writer: Gabriella Jacobs