Chemeketa|SEDCOR Create Job Skills Program

For Immediate Release

MAY 14, 2009

Chemeketa | SEDCOR Create Job-Skills Program
Veteran employees to pass knowledge to new workers

By Jillian Daley • Statesman Journal

A new employee training program could bring more jobs to the area.

The Industrial Maintenance Operator/Mechanic (IMOM) program is aimed at helping preserve baby boomers' institutional knowledge — and, in so doing, helping the Mid-Valley attract new businesses.

With new businesses, usually, come new jobs.

Chemeketa Community College and SEDCOR (Strategic Economic Development Corporation) are partnering on the program, expected to roll out in July, through which veteran employees will train newer employees.

IMOM is intended to help fill the growing demand in the Mid-Valley for experts trained in areas including painting, welding and fabrication, said Bob Topping, coordinating director for workforce development for Chemeketa.

Passing on institutional knowledge strengthens the talent pool, and a stronger talent pool would draw more businesses to the Mid-Valley, Topping said.

Businesses considering relocation "want to know what the talent pool is, what the skills of (potential) employees are," Topping said.

New industry creates jobs, he said.

"We are utilizing the talent that already resides in our communities to share key skills that will contribute to the economic recovery of our region," said Cheryl Roberts, Chemeketa Community College president.

Losing boomers' institutional knowledge also would affect the workplace, Topping said.

A boomer might know, for example, how much better an engine part will work with an extra spray of oil in a key area. Such a simple step vastly could improve a product's quality and a business' reputation.

"It's little things like that that are coming up all over the place," Topping said.

IMOM begins at Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry, where teachers will take seasoned workers and train them to present a training module. Each module will offer a close-up view of a specific skill, such as torquing large bolts, he said.

The modules would be taught at area businesses and would not be for college credit.

Master trainers will be compensated, either through their companies or through program revenue.

SEDCOR, a nonprofit economic development agency for Marion and Polk counties, will notify local businesses of the IMOM program and recruit workers for master trainer certification.

"We are implementing a new model of cooperation between colleges and business to provide workforce education when and where employers need it," said Ray Burstedt, president of SEDCOR.

jdaley@StatesmanJournal.com or (503)399-6714


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For Immediate Release MAY 14, 2009 Chemeketa \| SEDCOR Create Job-Skills Program Veteran employees to pass knowledge to new workers By Jillian Daley • Statesman Journal A new employee training program could bring more jobs to the area. The Industrial Maintenance Operator/Mechanic (IMOM) program is aimed at helping preserve baby boomers' institutional knowledge — and, in so doing, helping the Mid-Valley attract new businesses. With new businesses, usually, come new jobs. Chemeketa Community College and SEDCOR (Strategic Economic Development Corporation) are partnering on the program, expected to roll out in July, through which veteran employees will train newer employees. IMOM is intended to help fill the growing demand in the Mid-Valley for experts trained in areas including painting, welding and fabrication, said Bob Topping, coordinating director for workforce development for Chemeketa. Passing on institutional knowledge strengthens the talent pool, and a stronger talent pool would draw more businesses to the Mid-Valley, Topping said. Businesses considering relocation "want to know what the talent pool is, what the skills of (potential) employees are," Topping said. New industry creates jobs, he said. "We are utilizing the talent that already resides in our communities to share key skills that will contribute to the economic recovery of our region," said Cheryl Roberts, Chemeketa Community College president. Losing boomers' institutional knowledge also would affect the workplace, Topping said. A boomer might know, for example, how much better an engine part will work with an extra spray of oil in a key area. Such a simple step vastly could improve a product's quality and a business' reputation. "It's little things like that that are coming up all over the place," Topping said. IMOM begins at Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry, where teachers will take seasoned workers and train them to present a training module. Each module will offer a close-up view of a specific skill, such as torquing large bolts, he said. The modules would be taught at area businesses and would not be for college credit. Master trainers will be compensated, either through their companies or through program revenue. SEDCOR, a nonprofit economic development agency for Marion and Polk counties, will notify local businesses of the IMOM program and recruit workers for master trainer certification. "We are implementing a new model of cooperation between colleges and business to provide workforce education when and where employers need it," said Ray Burstedt, president of SEDCOR. jdaley@StatesmanJournal.com or (503)399-6714