We are creating a work environment where everyone can feel they can give their best and that this will lead to a fulfilling career pathway .
noteworthy benefit is the swift return on investment . Knowledge equals expertise ; expertise equals value ; and valued people feel more seen and appreciated .”
Tapping diverse perspectives The result is a contagious culture . “ Positive and driven colleagues motivate others . When my team return from a course sharing everything they have learned with their production peers , it only reaffirms the importance of investing in skills ,” adds Paul .
Examining the wider challenges , Paul encourages leaders who are scouting for talent to look for potential rather than pedigree . “ Given the scarcity of academic technical training , utilising well-respected development
frameworks designed by people who understand the ins and outs of our industry can help our future leaders to define and steer their career pathway . Another sideline benefit is we are empowering future mentors .” Industry trainer and one of the masterminds behind the winning 2023 Plastic Industry Awards training & development program , Darren Vater-Hutchison concurs . Having delivered courses to over 700 industry colleagues at Sumitomo ( SHI ) Demag ’ s IOM3-accredited Academy , Darren expands : “ High quality industry training can help to address the lack of curriculum investment and provides a more direct and immediate solution to local and national skills shortages . Machines make parts . However , knowledge creates value . This value increases markedly as knowledge moves up the scale . Most importantly , this accumulative knowledge is being passed onto to future leaders .”
Earning the certificate in Toolsetting Technology ( TSett ) and Mould Mounting ( MMount ), Jiji , who joined Cybertools with no significant engineering knowledge , has reached the halfway point in his professional development program . Jiji comments : “ The Academy courses have helped me to gain a better understanding of moulding processes and how they relate to QC issues . I am more confident in my ability to get good results from the machines with an understanding of cause and effect in the processes . This is giving me the confidence to progress as a tool setter which will hopefully open up even more career possibilities in the future .”
Testament to the progression opportunities , Leo commenced his career with Cybertools as a temporary picker and packer . Now running the UK mould shop , he recently started to provide input into major project quotations . Leo comments : “ The Academy training has given me a more advanced machine understanding and guidance on ways to be more precise with process adjustments .” Leo is eager to continue putting this advanced knowledge into practice , and hopes to shortly complete the Advanced Injection Moulding ( AIM ) course to further his knowledge and career .
Attesting to the importance of training , Paul says that when the right person comes along who clicks with your business and culture , you just know that making the investment is worth it . “ Developing staff is a long game . Jiji proved straight away that he was good with detail , which is perfect for QC work . Having tuned his technical abilities , Leo is now running our mould shop .”
Paul cautions that failure to listen and address workforce needs could result in alienating and losing your future talents and company successors . “ People need to have a workspace where they can feel they can thrive and progress . Much of this can be underpinned by clear development goals and a good training program .”
Earning the certificate in Toolsetting Technology ( TSett ) and Mould Mounting ( MMount ), Quality Control Production Trainee Jigi demonstrates his understanding of moulding processes to colleagues .
The Sumitomo ( SHI ) Demag Academy offers a mix of structured and bespoke polymer processing and industry-led training and development courses , aimed at all operational levels , from new starters to tool setters , engineers and asset care managers . All course content has been designed to enhance skills knowledge , workforce productivity and Overall Equipment Effectiveness ( OEE ).
www . sumitomo-shi-demag . uk | www . sumitomo-shi-demag . ie /
Issue 68 PECM 29