Overcoming Hiring Hurdles in Rural America

GST Michigan Works met with Human Resources for the Gemini Group and determined that applying for a Going Pro Grant may be the best solution for their training needs.  Regency Plastics applied for and were awarded a Going Pro Grant.  They utilized this grant for Value Stream Mapping, Core Tools SPC, GD & T Fundamentals, AIAG/VDA FMEA, 8D Problem Solving, TPM, 5S Application, Financial and Manufacturing Skills Development Trainings. 

Being in a rural area makes hiring new employees more difficult.  By investing in training for current employees, the company can continue to manufacture quality parts and retain confident, knowledgeable employees. Training was needed for current employees to assist in observing and improving upon the current processes that are used in production, finance, and general organization of the workplace. 

Employees gained skills that will help them keep their workspaces clean and organized and eliminate waste and reduce production costs.  They also learned methods used to control processes to reduce variations and become more efficient in their processes.  Managers gained knowledge of how the decisions they make daily can affect the finances of the business.  By training employees, they become more aware of how production and quality processes can be improved to increase production without sacrificing quality parts.  This helps employees become confident in their abilities and helps the company remain competitive so both the employees and the business can continue to thrive.