Innovation through education

January 2013

Greetings!

Companies are constantly searching for ways to innovate. A quick Internet search reveals several articles on innovation and how to foster it in your organization.

One particular article examines the do's and don'ts of innovation. The author makes a very good point about what innovation is. She states " [Innovation is] often within your team already. Any business is likely to have great ideas and innovators already within the team. An open and creative organizational culture and office space is crucial to finding, developing, and encouraging these employees..." To learn how one local company worked with CBI to create an innovative training program, please continue reading below.

INNOVATION THROUGH EDUCATION:

Bringing Traditional Manufacturing Training to the Corporate Office to Bring Value to Customers

In 2011, CBI's welding program manager, Colin Phelps, received an interesting training request from Victaulic, a world leader in grooved mechanical pipe joining systems. While Phelps has conducted numerous hands-on training programs in the tri-state area, this request had a unique twist to it. Rather than training new or existing welders, Phelps would be training sales professionals.

Insightfully, Victaulic's Sales Training Leader, Andrew Kroeger recognized that hands-on welding, threading, and flanging training would provide new trainees with a better understanding of the industry and the unique challenges of their customers.

In January 2012, Phelps and Kroeger had decided the initial course offering would feature one full (eight hour) hands-on training day conducted at CBI's welding lab, located on the Main Campus in Bethlehem Township. In the subsequent months, the program would be fine-tuned and participation expanded. The sales professional training was increased to two days, and by September 2012, a new program was launched for customer and application engineers and product managers. As of November 2012, 11 classes (121 Victaulic Sales Reps) have welded, flanged, and threaded pipe at Northampton Community College. Kroeger described working with Phelps as "awesome - very informative and entertaining. He really knows his stuff."

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CORPORATE SAFETY CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS:

Build a stronger culture of safety for 2013

Safety Image In a recent issue of EHS Today newsletter, they identify the top five safety management trends for 2013. One of those trends is developing a culture of safety. However, to create a culture of safety, "a safety manager requires executive leadership and employee ownership of program goals" (EHStoday.com).

If your plans include a stronger safety culture at your organization, our popular Economics of Safety and Successful Safety Committee certificate programs can help. The Economics certificate provides the tools to communicate the financial benefits attributed to a safety culture. The Safety Committee certificate gives your safety committee the tools to successfully communicate the benefits and advantages of a safe workplace for all employees.

Designed to accommodate the busy work schedules of health, safety and administrative professionals, each program meets monthly for two hours. The workshops are facilitated with a combination of lecture and hands-on exercises.

Cost for each entire certificate program is $220 (a 10% discount over registering for workshops individually). For more information, please call 610-861-5064 or e-mail ddinan@northampton.edu.

CBI Workshop Resources