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GE ANNOUNCES NEW INTERNAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
IN LYNN
Plan Welcomed by Local 201
At a meeting on
November 30th, in top Lynn HR Manager John Burke’s
Conference Room, the Company announced to Local 201 Union Officials
that new Internal Training Programs would begin in 2008.
For the last few years, Local 201 has been
requesting internal training to raise the general skill level of the
workforce and provide for better upgrade opportunities. Years ago,
the Company ran the Apprentice Program, the Machine Operator
Training Program, and various “after hours” classes.
GE’s announcement was welcomed news by Local 201. The
Company said Phase #1 will be a class incorporating
(a) Shop Math (b) Blueprint Reading (c) Shop Theory,
and (d) Quality Systems/Measurement. This class is expected
to begin in the first quarter of 2008 and be an “after-hours” course
of 2 nights per week for 12 weeks. The Company “may” also hold a
class during days for “back shifters”. This class is helpful for
current R16’s and below looking to upgrade into the many R17
classifications.
Phase #2 would be Specific Machine Training
classes, and a class in Welding Training. Phase #3
would involve a NC Training/Programming Course mostly
involving incumbent planners.
Phase #4 would be a Repair Control Training Program.
The Company and Union discussed the procuring of
resources and placing interested individuals in classes by
seniority. There seemed to be a general agreement on the entire
approach. These training programs should become a valuable
investment aiding the River Works in maintaining its high standards
of skills, quality, and productivity.
BA
Ric Casilli said “This should insure our workforce is skilled in
the new machining and technologies that have been arriving in the
plant from the increased investment.”
President Jeff Crosby said “This effort could lead to
increasing aid and co-ordination with GE and may also help our
successful outside ‘E-Team’ Machinist Training Program.”
(Crosby and the Program Director met, following the “internal”
training meeting, to discuss this.)
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