Bemidji Mechatronics Training
PotlatchDeltic, in collaboration with The Idea Circle, the Minnesota Innovation Initiative (MI2), and local private employers, has developed a Mechatronics program in Bemidji, Minnesota. The program targets enhancing skills in electrical, mechanical, computer, robotics, and automation systems. It is offered to Team Members at PotlatchDeltic’s Bemidji mill and has been successful since its inception in 2013. Participants can take e-learning courses and hands-on labs, with support from PotlatchDeltic. The program has shown positive outcomes, such as increased proficiency and promotions within the company, and has been extended to local high schools to prepare students for industrial sector employment.
- Collaboration with The Idea Circle, MI2, and local private employers.
- Program focuses on important technical skills: electrical, mechanical, computer, robotics, and automation.
- Support provided for coursework costs.
- E-learning and hands-on labs enhance learning flexibility.
- Demonstrated success with increased knowledge and proficiency among Team Members.
- Promotions within the company attributed to the program.
- Expansion to local high schools preparing students for industrial jobs.
- to Bemidji mill Team Members, potentially excluding other interested employees.
- No quantifiable data on the return on investment (ROI) for the company.
- Potential high costs associated with supporting coursework for employees.
- Dependence on local collaboration may limit scalability.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2024 / PotlatchDeltic
Responding to a growing need for increased technical skills among the workforce in Bemidji, Minnesota, PotlatchDeltic worked with The Idea Circle, a workforce development consultant, the Minnesota Innovation Initiative (MI2), an affiliate of the local chamber of commerce, and other private, local employers to create a mechatronics program. The Mechatronics program is focused on building competency for maintenance and repair on electrical, mechanical, computer, robotics, and automation systems. The courses are available to any eligible Team Member in our Bemidji mill (production or maintenance) who wants to advance their skills in these areas.
In 2013, PotlatchDeltic became the first company in the Bemidji area to enroll one of its Team Members, Joe, in the Mechatronics program. Joe had just graduated from high school and came to PotlatchDeltic as a summer intern in 2012. He was registered to go to trade school that fall but decided to take a leap of faith with us, declined trade school, and stayed employed as efforts continued to establish the full Mechatronics program. After enrolling, Joe completed the Mechatronics program while also working at our Bemidji wood products facility. Fast forward to today, and Joe is a very successful millwright at our Bemidji mill and is seen as a leader in the maintenance department, as well as the mill's resident vibration analysis expert.
PotlatchDeltic has had Team Members participating in the program every year since then. In 2023, we had four Team Members enrolled in the Mechatronics program. All courses are offered via e-learning and hands-on skill labs. PotlatchDeltic provides support towards the coursework costs. Participants can choose to complete the introductory courses the first year with the option to continue for a second year to finish the whole program.
The success of this program for production Team Members has been well demonstrated through an increased knowledge and proficiency of their workstations. Maintenance Team Members have increased skills essential to performing troubleshooting, service, and repair on mechanical and electrical systems. For example, a 2023 graduate of the Mechatronics program was recently promoted to full-time millwright.
The Mechatronics program has also expanded into several Bemidji area high schools offering beginning coursework in the program. Our Bemidji wood products facility is a proud sponsor of the Mechatronics Career Academy at Bemidji High School helping to prepare graduates for employment in the industrial sector.
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Contact Info:
Spokesperson: PotlatchDeltic
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/potlatchdeltic
Email: info@3blmedia.com
SOURCE: PotlatchDeltic
View the original press release on accesswire.com
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