Page 22 - MetalForming March 2017
P. 22
Precise
Education, Re-engagement and Advocacy
Airless S
Spr Lubrication
L
ay
dis
place
me
nt pump
st
o dis
pe
ns
e
t
us
og
as
, non-f
g
It’
aneo
ng
saf
o
i
, ins
t
ant
handle heavy v
i
i
c
s as
os
y lub
s
t
r
ant
ic
This automated cam-bracket assembly cell, which greatly improved productivity at Pentaflex, includes stations for welding, installing and torqueing bolts, and inspect- ing the completed assembly. Shown are operator Justin Silvers, facilities manager Todd Roderick (right) and vice president of operations Bob Jones.
need updating, and seeks to do so in a manner that allows metalformers to access them via an e-learning system.
“We have launched a project to develop e-learning that will provide a single, branded portal for PMA edu- cation materials,” Arndt shares. “E- learning will enable PMA to create and deliver content while allowing HR managers to assign courses, monitor learner participation and assess learn- er performance.”
From the student or learner per- spective, e-learning provides person- alized access to assigned course mate- rials, messaging and notifications, and access to scores and transcripts. Access to content can be accomplished through a variety of devices, including laptops, tablets and cell phones.
“Another reason for investing in e- learning,” Arndt adds, “is to help met- alformers better comply with regula- tory requirements. Safety programs, for example, are a common use—users can readily demonstrate that all appro- priate staff are up-to-date on required certification and training.”
Re-engagement: Focus on Mentoring and Next-Gen Leaders With so many companies facing the dilemma of aging senior leadership, Arndt asks: “How can we get the next-
gen leaders involved in PMA?”
The association has been address- ing that question for the last several years, and most notably it launched in 2016 the MFG NXT initiative, and the Leadership and Mentoring Acad-
emy (LMA).
MFG NXT is a PMA recruitment and
retention initiative centered on sup- porting millennials and gen-Xers rising through the ranks of the metalforming industry. Launched in mid-2016, its programming includes events that bring together talented young leaders to learn about a variety of topics, including technology- and leadership- based subjects.
“In 2017,” says Arndt, “we’ll present a series of four webinars on behalf of the MFG NXT program, and sponsor roundtable discussions throughout the year.”
Meanwhile, PMA’s LMA, born from a commitment made by past-PMA Chairman Bill Smith (president of met- alformer Termax Corp., Lake Zurich, IL), and funded in part by a grant from the PMA Educational Foundation, aims to provide structured mentoring to the next generation of metalforming leadership. Veteran industry profes- sionals are volunteering their time and expertise to support this important cause.
p: 8
f
:8
226-
15-226-8
15-
0
90 9250
20
MetalForming/March 2017
www.metalformingmagazine.com
