National, state and local leaders gather at South Texas College’s Technology Campus in McAllen, Texas to celebrate the regional launch of the English for Manufacturing and the Skilled Trades Initiative. From left front are Senior Vice President for The Manufacturing Institute Jennifer McNelly, TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar and Chief External Affairs and Economic Development Officer for Laredo Community College Blas Castaneda. From left back are STC Board of Trustees Vice Chair Rose Benavidez, Account Manager for Sed De Saber Rafael Vargas, NAAMREI Executive Officer Wanda Garza and McAllen Economic Development Corporation CEO Keith Patridge.

South Texas College has partnered with The Manufacturing Institute, the Texas Workforce Commission and other regional partners to implement an English language proficiency program to boost literacy, educational attainment and career advancement for workers in the Rio South Texas Region.

The English for Manufacturing and the Skilled Trades Initiative is an English acquisition program targeting underemployed and unemployed workers across Texas. Through the program, participants will develop core English language skills required for entry-level careers in the region’s developing rapid response, advanced manufacturing workforce.

“In order for U.S. manufacturers to stay competitive in today’s complex global economy, we must remain committed to developing the talent and skills of the manufacturing workforce and create strategies for each challenge they face,” said Emily Stover DeRocco, president of The Manufacturing Institute. “Foundational skills such as English language communication and applied math and science are necessary for all careers in manufacturing, and a worker who faces barriers in these areas will not be able to advance in the workplace.”

Rio South Texas cities McAllen and Mission join initiative pilots already underway in Laredo, San Antonio and Houston. In total, 350 Texas workers will be trained through the initiative. STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, representing the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative, will manage the trainings for 45 workers from McAllen- and Mission-based companies including Palmer Steel Suppliers, AM-MEX and Hi-Tech Plastics, to name a few.

“We are always excited to create new pathways for learning that will benefit the regional goal of leading the world in advanced, rapid response manufacturing,” said Carlos Margo, regional manager for STC’s IAM. “Upon completion of the training, participants will be well-positioned to pursue additional career and academic trainings. By participating in this ground-breaking initiative, we continue to lead the nation in planned workforce sustainability, thus increasing our global competitiveness.”

The initiative training consists of an interactive, technology-based curriculum derived from the proven and innovative language learning program, Sed de Saber. The program ensures efficient and functional acquisition of workplace communication skills, such as understanding directions and important health and safety measures, using proper manufacturing vocabulary, and reading and interpreting administrative forms.

“We have several production floor operators that understand and speak some English, however they rarely use it due to a lack of confidence. I am sure this not only affects them in the workplace, but also in the community,” said Kevin Coleman, production and distribution manager for Smead Manufacturing. “This program offers an opportunity to those that see their weakness in the language, have a desire to learn, but have no time or means to attend formal classes to improve their skills. With this initiative, they can work at their pace at home or work, comparing notes and progress with co-workers. This will certainly boost the desire to learn more and results will be evident.”

Dignitaries from across the Rio South Texas Region gathered at STC’s Technology Campus in McAllen to celebrate the local launch of the initiative. Special guests included TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar and Senior Vice President for The Manufacturing Institute Jennifer McNelly.

“The Texas Workforce Commission supports collaborative initiatives that provide Texans with the skills and competencies for success in the workplace,” said Alcantar. “We are pleased to be a part of this regional partnership that combines adult literacy and skills attainment in the manufacturing industry.”

For more information about South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing call 956-872-6197 or visit http://manufacturing.southtexascollege.edu/iam/news.html. For more information about The Manufacturing Institute call 800-814-8468 or visit http://www.nam.org/Manufacturing-Institute/Manufacturing-Institute.aspx. For more information about the Texas Workforce Commission visit http://www.texasworkforce.org/.

Rio Grande Pak Food employees earn certificates in fire safety for STC’s IAM.

By: David Ramos, Training Specialist for South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing

Fifteen employees from Rio Grande Pak Foods earned a certificate in fire safety through South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. The onsite training consisted of understanding the elements that can start a fire and what prevention methods are used to combat and safely put out a fire.

“This was the first the first time for Rio Grande Pak Foods to do this type of training,” said Leticia Cisneros, supervisor for Rio Grande Pak Foods.”It was very educational and I’m reassured that my employees will know what to do in case of a fire.”

With chemical processing and controlled substances being used every day at manufacturing facilities, a fire can break out at anytime and employees need to be aware of fire danger signs and what measures to take to control and end a fire. During the intense heat of the summer months, facilities also see increased risks of fires erupting.

“I taught students about the classes of fire, explained the difference between the types of fire extinguishers on the market and what class of fire each type of extinguisher can put out,” said Ricardo Olivares, STC IAM instructor. “It is important to know what type of extinguisher to use in the different classes of fire.”

At the end of the training, students were tested on ability to recall the different types of fires and what extinguishers to use. STC’s IAM will now collaborate with Rio Pak to design and implement a fire prevention plan and escape route.

According to OSHA, even with modern firefighting techniques, accidental fires still remain a leading cause of destruction, disability and death. Each year more than 5,000 people are killed by fires, more than 80,000 people are injured by fires, and businesses are impacted by more than 11 billion dollars in fire-related damage.

“These employees now have the knowledge of what to do in case a fire breaks out. Safety, especially in today’s global, fast-paced economy, should be the number one priority for all businesses,” concluded Olivares. “And we are making it easier than ever for companies to train employees in the proper techniques to handle a variety of crisis situations by offering these types of trainings on-site.”

This is another successful project funded by the Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Grant under NAAMREI.

To find out more about STC’s Fire Safety Training Program call 956-872-6222 or visit http://Manufacturing.SouthTexasCollege.Edu.

STC IAM Instructor Rick Olivares shows TYCO employees how to properly extinguish a fire.

By: David Ramos, Training Specialist for South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing

South Texas College and Texas State Technical College have combined efforts to provide OSHA and fire safety training to TYCO Flow Control in Harlingen, Texas. All employees received hands-on training on-site at the company’s facility resulting in certification of all employees. The training initiative is designed to upgrade the skills and development of TYCO’s expanding workforce.

“As you are well aware, workplace safety is of utmost importance,” said Renae Viader, environmental health and safety manager for TYCO Flow. “All employers should ensure their employees get all the safety knowledge they need to be successful in their professions and the employees should ensure they follow all the safety regulations and rules as well.”

Tyco intends to expand its facility in Harlingen, which is estimated to create 50 new jobs. With this expansion, the company has called on the Rio South Texas Manufacturing College Alliance, under NAAMREI, to make sure its employees are meeting industry standards.

Ricardo Olivares, fire safety instructor for STC, provided the training on behalf of the college alliance, using hands-on simulations to reinforce classroom training. One of the simulations included each employee properly putting out a fire.

“Workplace safety should be taken seriously and followed meticulously. The instructor made the training for real, but fun and interesting for our employees,” added Viader.

Palmer Steele employees learn CPR methods from STC IAM Instructor Ricardo Olivares.

By: David Ramos, Training Specialist for South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing

Palmer Steel of McAllen, Texas has begun the task of certifying all company staff in how to perform CPR, use an AED and deliver critical first aid. The first 10 employees received training in these areas in late April from South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. Each employee will receive a CPR/AED & First Aid Lifesaver card from the American Heart Association and certificate from STC.

The IAM provided the training onsite with real, life-size dummies that are able to detect if the proper CPR techniques are being applied. STC CPR Instructor Ricardo Olivares tests every individual to make sure they meet AHA standards and are able to properly administer CPR.

“We want our company to set the standard on safety and we are getting there with our entire staff already being OSHA certified, but now my goal is to have them to all be certified lifesavers,” said Juan Figueroa, safety and human resource director for Palmer Steel. “We work with heavy equipment, cranes, forklifts, extremely heavy machinery, and accidents can easily happen. I am glad our employees will have the tools to save a life if an accident were to happen.”

According to the American Heart Association, if a victim in need of medical attention does not receive immediate, effective CPR from a bystander, the victim’s chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest decreases seven to 10 percent per minute. Unfortunately, on average, less than one-third of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR, which can double or triple a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest.

“Many times people nearby don’t help because they’re afraid they will hurt the victim and aren’t confident in what they’re doing,” said Olivares. “With all the heavy manufacturing taking place at Palmer, this training will be very beneficial.”

The AHA is the authority in resuscitation science, education and training. STC is proud to provide the training through AHA, with courses reflecting the most current resuscitation science from the official American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

This is another successful project funded by the Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Grant under NAAMREI.

To find out more about STC’s IAM CPR/AED First Aid training Program call 956-872-6222 or visit http://Manufacturing.SouthTexasCollege.Edu.

Representatives from area manufacturers attended an event at STC’s Technology Campus to learn about the status of the college’s Skills Development Grant Fund. Attendees from AMMEX were Idalia Cazares, HR director; Danny Barron, production supervisor; and Kevin Coleman, company associate.

Has your company received employee training through the South Texas College Skills Development Grant Fund? If so, there may be more money just waiting to fund additional trainings for your employees.

“To date we have provided trainings to more than 5,000 employees, with the unduplicated count being more than 2,200 employees,” said Carlos Margo, director of the College’s IAM. “These folks are seeing real value in the more than 200 classes we offer so I hope that employers who signed up for the grant continue coming back to improve the future opportunities of their existing and new workers.”

Representatives from a variety of companies actively participating in the grant attended a workshop highlighting new offerings available from the institute and learned how many hours of training were logged by employees at their companies.

“When the South Texas Manufacturers Association was first organized in the early 90’s, all we talked about was the lack of skilled workers available to keep and bring in new manufacturers,” said Mike Willis, STMA executive director. “Then, when STC came along, our abilities to train the needed workers became a reality. Now we are leading the state in training skilled workers. We need to continue our focus on training, despite the economy, to remain competitive. The most successful companies are those focused on learning. It’s also a great value add to recruit and retain the best employees over the long term.”

STC’s IAM also encouraged attendees to take advantage of opportunities for on-site training at company locations. AMMEX is one company taking full advantage of the training and its employees hope the company continues its work with STC’s IAM.

“It’s good for us to attend the trainings,” said Danny Barron, AMMEX production supervisor. “I attended the lean manufacturing classes and I know other employees are hungry for new opportunities and want to learn. We will be looking forward to the new on-site classes STC’s IAM can provide.”

For more information about STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing visit http://manufacturing.southtexascollege.edu.

NAAMREI members from Bronwsville to Laredo celebrate another successful year.

Members of the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI) celebrated another successful year of operations at a recent networking event in March 2010. Members from companies, colleges, school districts and businesses from across the eight counties represented by the consortium attended to share success stories and plan for another year of developing the region’s rapid response manufacturing infrastructure.

“The 2009/2010 academic year was another success with a variety of benchmarks being met,” said Wanda Garza, executive director for NAAMREI. “South Texas College, Laredo Community College, Texas Southmost College and Texas State Technical College trained more than 2000 employees in a variety of skill sets; UTPA’s Rapid Response Manufacturing Center has made contact with businesses throughout the world for customer contracts and has incubated one of the hottest technology companies in the nation.

“More than 50 companies visited with our economic development corporations and municipalities and many of those prospects are very excited about possibly relocating their operations to the Valley,” she continued. “But our biggest success comes from recruiting new companies to our skills development grant, which brings in new innovative approaches in training companies to move to the next level of world class status.”

In addition to NAAMREI partners, advisors from the U.S. Department of Labor were on hand for the event, following an annual visit to track NAAMREI’s development and progress. NAAMREI’s operations were originally funded from a $5M WIRED Grant from the USDOL, which is complemented by a $3M Skills Development Training Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission.

NAAMREI brings together diverse education partners from across the Rio South Texas Region to develop and recruit the skilled talent needed to grow an advanced manufacturing infrastructure. With access to a wide network of educational facilities and programs and customized training programs, businesses can be sure that the Rio South Texas Region will be the first and only sustainable provider of rapid response manufacturing anywhere in the world.

For more information about NAAMREI visit www.naamrei.org.

English Instructor Sonia Salinas puts students in a real world situation to help them improve their communication effectiveness in the workplace.

By: David Ramos, Training Specialist for South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing

More than 100 employees from several maquiladora manufacturing companies are attending English and Spanish-language classes at STC’s Technology Campus. As part of the North American Advanced Manufacturing and Research Initiative, private partner companies have taken advantage of intense workplace literacy training at STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM).

The program consists of three levels of English and Spanish language classes that help participants refine their oral, written and listening skills, and gain an understanding of commonly-used vocabulary terms to enhance their job productivity.

“Our program is experiencing phenomenal growth with three new English and Spanish classes starting each week this year,” said Raul Ruiz, project training specialist for STC’s IAM. “Classes begin as early at 9 a.m. and they are offered throughout the day until 9 p.m. We customize each class to suit our private partners’ needs and we hope that more companies will take part in this unique professional development opportunity.”

Employees from ALPS Automotive, JVC, AM-MEX, Rio Grande Pak Foods, Corning Cable Systems, Coca-Cola and GE Engine Services have already taken these classes at STC and have dedicated their time and efforts to improving their communication skills. And partner companies who have participated are realizing the benefits of this program.

“We have more than 4,300 employees at our Reynosa plant and an additional 50 U.S.-based employees,” said Maurice Rodriguez, human resource director for Corning Cable Systems in McAllen. “We are very appreciative of the offerings, given that 25 percent of our team is working hard to improve their Spanish language skills to help them with day-to-day communications. We have seen great results and have received positive feedback from the employees who have taken the courses at STC. Many of them have commented on how helpful the courses were to them, and now I’m actually receiving some e-mails from them written in Spanish.”

Through this initiative and many others, STC is building on its solid reputation of delivering high quality education to become the region’s premier manufacturing training institution.

“Since the beginning of our skills development grant, we have expanded our workplace literacy program and continue to enhance the curriculum to suit our companies,” added Carlos Margo, regional manager for STC’s IAM.

To find out more about the Workplace Literacy Program at STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing contact Raul Ruiz at 956-872-6141.

By: David Ramos, Training Specialist for South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing

South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing has become the Rio South Texas Region’s premier manufacturing training institution. Employers across the region are recognizing the benefits of world-class customized training the institute provides in today’s tough job market. Now with area companies cutting costs from every angle, training employees offers a great return on investment.

“Since our employees are now trained, we only contract out around five percent of our jobs.” said Juan Elizondo, administrative assistant for the Basilica of San Juan. “We have five trained technicians in the areas of plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical trades. We owe STC a great deal of thanks for their training and support.”

Various companies and organizations call upon STC’s IAM to upgrade the skills of new and existing employees. Facilities maintenance, industrial maintenance, welding, leadership, and workplace literacy are just a few of the high-demand, customizable programs being offered by the institute.

“The IAM is crucial to build customized training programs to ensure that we have a skilled labor pool ready and capable of meeting the needs of industries we aim to attract,” said Janie Ramos, vice president of U.S. business recruitment, retention and expansion for the McAllen Economic Development Corporation. “The competition for recruiting and attracting companies to regions across the U.S. is fierce, which is why we in the Valley have to continually focus on training employees in order to compete globally.”

“Cross training enables companies to transfer employees to other departments and utilize their newly-acquired skills to take on additional responsibilities,” explained Carlos Margo, STC IAM regional training manager. “Companies are saving money by not having to hire additional personnel to get specific tasks completed.”

Hi-Tech Plastics Corporate Human Resource Manager Dennis Shultz says, “The quality of training and the level of professionalism STC provides are second to none. The college has developed a diverse set of programs tailored to fit our needs and have delivered cost-effective, quality classes allowing us to maintain and improve the skill sets of our employees.”

Companies looking for training have access to the institute’s highly-skilled instructors offering a combined 60 years of manufacturing expertise. STC training facilities are world-class, and now with the recent additional of a Robotics Program the college plans expand its services to many new companies.

“Our department is continuously expanding and aggressively utilizing innovative curriculums to service the region’s employers,” added Margo.

To find out more about South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing contact Carlos Margo at 956-872-6197.

STC IAM Training Specialist Doug Schelbert works to rams up Fanuc Industrial Robot for the institute to begin offering Rio Grande Valley employees customized trainings in October 2009.

South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing is preparing to offer customized training in robotics to Rio Grande Valley employers. Trainings will prepare workers to program, maintenance and repair 6-axis industrial robots. Funding for the purchase of training equipment was made possible through grant funding from the City of McAllen.

“There are several companies in the Valley, like Motorola, GE Engine Services and Fujitsu Ten, as well as companies looking to relocate to the region, that are and will be implementing industrial robots in their operations and we, and the City of McAllen, are focused on preparing area workers to meet the next-generation demands of these companies,” said Carlos Margo, regional training manager for STC’s IAM.“

STC’s IAM will begin offering trainings in October 2009 on the Fanuc Industrial Robot. Students will learn to maintenance and program robots that can paint, assemble, package, inspect products and, most importantly, weld.

“We chose the Fanuc robot because it is one of the most popular robots used in welding applications, which is a key area of need for manufacturers,” said Doug Schelbert, STC IAM training specialist. “The robots offer a value-add to companies because they can perform a variety of repetitive tasks and free up critical man power for operations that require unique skills and problem solving.”

The institute also recently acquired a classroom training robot that can be moved from location to location to take basic trainings right to the employer’s factory floor.

“At the IAM we are focused on setting the stage for the future of industry and the future in the Valley is robotics,” added Margo. “We are excited to bring this opportunity to employees because they can increase their skills sets and possibly increase their pay. Starting pay for someone programming and maintaining industrial robots is $10 an hour. We know that employers will line up for this training because it offers the best of both worlds – high endurance, speed and precision without a huge investment of time or monetary resources.”

Grant funding for trainings is available to qualifying Valley employees. For more information about industrial robotics training offered through STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing call at 956-872-6222 or 956-872-6197.

By: David Ramos, Training Specialist for South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing

Merardo Contreras, parts processor for GE Engine Services of McAllen, learns how to operate a mill from Douglas Schelbert, STC training specialist.

South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing has seen a boost in the number of employees taking machining courses at its Technology Campus in McAllen. Several manufacturing companies under the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI) Skills Development Grant are utilizing funds to obtain highly specialized training.

GE Engines Services, King’s Prosperity, EMU Plastics are sending employees for machining courses to gain a fundamental understanding of shop safety, setup, tolerancing and machine operation.

“Machining is one of the most important material removal methods and is a collection of material-working processes in which power-driven machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and drill presses are used with a sharp cutting tool to mechanically cut the material to achieve the desired geometry,” said Douglas Schelbert, STC training specialist. “Our students gain an understanding that all these elements are crucial to manufacturing a quality product.”

STC’s Technology Campus houses more than 30 pieces of high-tech machinery commonly found in manufacturing companies across the Rio South Texas Region. The training allows companies to send students to learn required skills without having to outsource or hire a consultant to train employees, which can be costly.

“With the institute strategically located at in the McAllen Foreign Trade Zone, it makes training convenient for employees from manufacturing companies to learn skills and gain valuable hands on experience,” said Rick Olivares, STC IAM project training specialist.

“I am excited that I had the opportunity to improve my skills at STC and now I have what it takes to move up within the company,” said Celestina Gomez, a GE Engine Services employee.

“STC is proud to be the premier manufacturing training institution in the region, helping employees upgrade their skills right in their back yards,” said Carlos Margo, STC IAM regional training manager. “We will continue to provide innovative trainings to ensure area employees are prepared to compete in a global market.”

For more information about machining classes in the Rio South Texas Region contact STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at 956-872-6197 or 956-872-6222, or visit http://Manufacturing.SouthTexasCollege.Edu.