Posts Tagged: Training

Safety and Compliance is liking eating a bowl of alphabet soup!

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post Posted 11/07/2018

Safety and Compliance is liking eating a bowl of alphabet soup!

Written by: Darcy Cook, Safety Trainers

OSHA, DOT, NFPA, ISO, FDA, NIOSH, ANSI, and EPA just to name a few. Who regulates you? Who has the authority? Where do you begin? And, why do all the agencies have a different interpretation of the regulations?

OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and you can find their standards for general industry online at OSHA.gov or in the 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards Book. Their mission is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

The sheer size and weight of the 29 CFR 1910 OSHA General Industries Standard Book of regulations can be overwhelming. So, let us recommend a better way for you to get started building your safety program. Take a look at the OSHA’s Small Business Handbook. This handbook will get you started on what regulations apply to almost every industry and provide the template for a health and safety management system.

Being responsible for your company’s health and safety management system, policies, procedures, programs, testing, equipment and training, is a full-time job. We can help save you time.

The OSHA’s Small Business Handbook is a free resource that will teach you;

How to start your four point health and safety management system
Over 40 self-inspection checklists for general industry
How to determine what standards apply to you
Appendix: Action Plan Worksheet
Appendix: Model Policy Statement from OSHA
Appendix: Code of Safe Practices

Still need more help? Attend one of our upcoming safety training series. We will;

Help you create a specific list to get your safety program moving in the right direction
Provide you with a list of 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards that apply to your business
Tips on effective training (not boring) and recommendations for employee engagement
Provide you forms, templates and resources that you can use to meet your compliance needs
Leave confident and ready to begin your new role as your company’s “competent person”

The OSHA Small Business Handbook is just one of the resources that we will use in creating your action plan to creating, editing or changing your safety and health program in our safety training series.

MassMEP Promotes Kathie Mahoney to Center Director

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 11/05/2018

For more information contact:
John Killam, MassMEP, johnk@massmep.org
Shari Worthington, PR Counsel, Telesian Technology, sharilee@telesian.com

November 5, 2018 – Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, has announced the promotion of Kathie Mahoney to MassMEP Center Director. In this new position, Ms. Mahoney is responsible for leading and developing a team of professional consultants who create economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises through operational excellence, workforce development strategies, and innovative growth initiatives. In the past year alone, her team’s work with manufacturers produced a $69.6 million increase in new sales and added 843 new jobs.

Kathie Mahoney, MassMEP Center Director As MassMEP Center Director, Ms. Mahoney guides the organization and works closely with the President and its Board of Directors to realize the Center’s goals. Over the course of 20 years, she has built the MassMEP brand to be a recognized and trusted advisor to manufacturers. She possesses a detailed knowledge of manufacturing and has an extensive background in grant management, financial oversight, marketing management, and leadership. Ms. Mahoney holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from Assumption College and a Master’s of Science in Professional Communication from Clark University. She is also a Graduate of the NIST Emerging Leaders Program.

“MassMEP has a huge impact on the manufacturing ecosystem and I look forward to continuing the impressive growth and impact of the organization,” said Mahoney. “I believe the impact of MassMEP on its clients through top-line and bottom line results is a powerful driver of continuous improvement within the Massachusetts manufacturing ecosystem.”

John Killam, President of MassMEP stated, “We are very excited to have Kathie take on the role of Center Director for MassMEP. She brings to the job an exceptional combination of energy, leadership, and understanding of the challenges of manufacturing in Massachusetts. Her operational skill will help us continue to expand MassMEP and the work it does to strengthen Massachusetts manufacturers.”

About MassMEP
Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the NIST MEP National Network, is a leading resource for manufacturing companies that believes in cultivating a community built on support, idea sharing, and achievement. MassMEP creates economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises and the manufacturing ecosystem. This is achieved through the delivery of operational excellence programs, workforce development strategies, and innovative growth initiatives, and enhanced by strategic public/private relationships. For more information, visit

Massachusetts State Representative Jeff Roy at MassMEP’s Talent Management Roundtable on August 30, 2018

By Matt Healy In Videos Posted 11/02/2018

Karen Carswell Joins MassMEP as Project Manager for Western Region of Massachusetts

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 10/19/2018

Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, has announced that Karen Carswell has joined the organization as a Project Manager for the Western Region of Massachusetts. Ms. Carswell comes to MassMEP from Qnect where she served as a Marketing and Business Development Consultant; her work focused on lean methodologies and customer testimonials for validated learning. At MassMEP, she is responsible for developing manufacturing companies within the Western Region, which encompasses Hampden County, Franklin County, Hampshire County, Berkshire County, and parts of Worcester County.

Ms. Carswell brings to MassMEP clients a diverse range of experience, which includes lean methodologies, process improvement, and market research for business growth. She states, “I’m excited for the opportunity to be a member of the MassMEP team. I love being part of an organization that collaborates with businesses to achieve profitable growth. Helping manufacturing companies be sustainable during rapid technological innovation and increased competition is extremely rewarding. I’m inspired working side by side with executives and front-line workers as our team helps them achieve their goals. Every day we have the opportunity to develop people, reduce waste, and create value for our clients and their customers – and the passion for manufacturing is contagious among our team.”

“MassMEP is excited to have Ms. Carswell join the MassMEP team,” said John Killam, President of MassMEP. “Manufacturing in Massachusetts is prime for growth opportunities and Karen’s expertise can provide tremendous value to her clients.”

Most recently, Ms. Carswell received her Masters of Business Administration from UMass Amherst, Isenberg School of Management. It was there that she met Dr. Alan Robinson, who specializes in managing high-performing organizations, and her life changed for the better. “I want to do what you do,” Carswell said to Dr. Robinson. Carswell then immersed herself in Lean thinking and its application across industries. She has worked with LEI Cambridge and with the Continuous Improvement team at Cooley Dickinson, and has completed her Six Sigma yellow belt.

For more information please contact:

Kathie Mahoney, kathiem@massmep.org

Requirements for welding, cutting and hot work permits have changed for manufacturing.

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post Posted 09/04/2018

A Division of Cook Professional Resources, Inc dba Safety Trainers

PO Box 3488, Worcester, MA 01613 • 508-799-2857 • F: 508-799-8883 • www.safetytrainers.com

For Immediate Review Effective July 1, 2018

Requirements for welding, cutting and hot work permits have changed for manufacturing.

As a result of the tragic fire on March 26, 2014, where two Boston firefighters were killed from a fire that started by unpermitted and improper welding activity, all employees performing hot work must be trained by a Massachusetts state approved training program.

You need to review the definitions and terminology around this new requirement and make sure your current hot work permitting process is also up to code. Your local fire departments willnow be responsible for issuing permits to do hot work on a daily basis. There are some exemptions, but you need to prove exemptions and work with your local fire departments.

Let’s start with the simple definition of hot work.

Hot work is any work process that involves heat, spark, or flame that is capable of starting fires or explosions. Examples include, but are not limited to, welding, cutting, grinding, soldering,heat treating, hot riveting, torch applied roofing, abrasive blasting, and powder driven fasteners.

Does your current hot work internal permitting process include any of the following;

A licensed professional in specialized code (ex: licensed plumbers, electricians, sheetmetal workers. Etc.)
Working in a designed area that has been pre-approved by the fire or building officials.
A minimum of a 30-minute fire watch after completion
An annual permit from the fire department
A permit authorized individual (PAI) who is also “qualified”
Does your hot work permit include work location, type of hot work, the work to be done, the operator, duration, equipment, and controls to ensure safety?
A clear definition of permitted vs. designated area

You should be reviewing your current hot work permitting process today. Make sure that you are up to date with the new hot work permitting requirements. Even if you said yes to all of theabove, you are still out of compliance, if your employees do not have a certificate from one of the two approved training programs. This training program, currently, cannot be done in-house.

Who must complete a training program?

A qualified person must provide documentation that he or she has successfully completed an approved training program in order to serve in any of these capacities:

Anyone who performs hot work.
Anyone who serves as a “Permit Authorizing Individual” (PAI) to perform, supervise or delegate hot work;
Anyone who performs as a fire watch except fire department fire details.
Anyone who needs a permit from the local fire department to conduct such work.

Approved Training Programs

The following training programs have been approved by the State Fire Marshal:

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – Hot Works Safety Certificate 1-Day Program

Gould Construction Institute Hot Works Training

Resources

Fire Safety Requirements in Massachusetts PDF download

https://www.mass.gov/doc/welding-cutting-other-hotworks-fire-safety-requirements-in-ma

Frequently asked Questions

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/welding-cutting-other-hot-works

What is a Consortium Training Grant?

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post Posted 08/14/2018

Does your company have a technical skills gap?

Would you like to improve your productivity and quality?

Have you been considering ways to get training for your workforce and have thought that your company was too small?

Have you looked for ways to fund training, discovered the Workforce Training Fund and then decided you didn’t have the resources to write the grant and do all the grant administration work?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, consortium training could be the answer. Workforce Training Consortium is an opportunity for your employees to attend our training workshops AND it does not require you to write the grant application or perform grant administration work.

How does it work?

For starters, MassMEP seeks companies that are looking for solutions to the opening questions that are within the same region. Once the companies are identified, minor up front planning takes place. Participating companies meet to select the training and workshops of greatest interest in advance. The courses are separated into three different categories: Operational Excellence, Workforce Strategies and Innovative Growth Solutions. Since MassMEP provides the shared training, we develop a consolidated grant and submit it to the Workforce Training Fund on the behalf of the participating companies.

Upon grant approval, course scheduling commences. Training is held at a location within your region making it easy for participants to get to. Depending on the number of consortia members and the grant specifications, training may be held at participating companies. Training will be conducted over a one to two year timeframe, again depending on what was laid out in the grant. MassMEP handles the ongoing grant administration responsibilities.

How much does it cost to join the consortium?

This training is paid for by the Workforce Training Fund, so organizations that contribute to the Workforce Training Fund are eligible to take part in WTFP grant programs. All for-profit companies in Massachusetts contribute as do some non-profits. The company’s investment is that grant funds must be matched dollar for dollar. The match is usually achieved by utilizing training-related costs such as wages and fringe of employees during training hours.

Successful results

MassMEP and the participating companies have been very successful with this convenient and effective model. Consortia companies have reported the following results: improved lead time, reduced cycle time, improvement in on-time delivery, improved productivity, reduced inventory, increased first-pass yield, increased sales, labor cost savings and more.

How do I get started?

Contact Lisa Derby Oden today at lisao@massmep.org

Also visit Commonwealth Corporation at www.WorkforceTrainingFund.org

TribalVision and MassMEP Join Forces in Supporting Massachusetts Manufacturers

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 08/07/2018

TribalVision and Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (“MassMEP”) have announced a collaboration that will offer both express and general grants to manufacturers through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This partnership will enable MassMEP to now be able to support Massachusetts manufacturers with the marketing tools and training needed to compete and grow in today’s competitive global business arena.

These projects will be funded by a Workforce Training Fund grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The grant program is administered by the Commonwealth Corporation. General Program Training grant will allow manufacturing Companies to apply for a grant up to $250,000. The Express Grant Funds are limited to $30,000 per company per calendar year. Businesses can apply for grants to train current and newly hired workers.

“We’re excited to be partnering with TribalVision to now offer growth services to our Massachusetts manufacturers,” Tom Andrellos Director of Growth Services of MassMEP. “Through the approval of these express and general grants, manufacturers in Massachusetts will now be able to access a level of marketing training and resources that until now were unavailable through MassMEP. We are opening up our offering to extend beyond traditional lean and operational excellence support and are excited to be partnering with TribalVision on this initiative.”

Chris Ciunci, Founder and Managing Partner of TribalVision said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Mass MEP to offer the depth of marketing training needed for Massachusetts manufacturers to be equipped to compete and win in today’s ever-changing global marketplace. The days of solely relying on trade shows and print publications for growth are ending, so it’s important for manufacturers to be equipped with the digital and social media expertise necessary to survive and thrive.”

For more information about the grants offered through MassMEP and TribalVision, visit: https://massmep.org/training-grants/

For Upcoming Marketing Workshops https://massmep.org/events-workshops/2018-10/
About MassMEP

MassMEP is a collaboration between academic, business and government partners dedicated to helping Massachusetts manufacturers meet the challenges of competing in an ever-changing economy. MassMEP creates economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises and the manufacturing ecosystem. This is achieved through providing operational excellence, workforce development strategies and innovative growth initiatives, enhanced through leveraging strategic public/private relationships.

To learn more, visit https://www.massmep.org/

About TribalVision

As an outsourced marketing department for hire, TribalVision’s mission is to help organizations grow. This is achieved by combining intelligent strategy with tactical execution in a hands-on, results-driven manner. TribalVision utilizes its clients’ marketing budgets as efficiently and intelligently as possible – ensuring that each dollar spent maximizes awareness and generates new business. TribalVision’s unique marketing model is designed to fully align interests with client outcomes – guaranteeing an objective, client-first partnership. This is demonstrated in the firm’s fee-based compensation structure, “roll up your sleeves” mindset, metrics-driven approach, and role as a trusted marketing resource tasked to help navigate organizations to higher grounds. To learn more, visit www.TribalVision.com.

MassMEP Diversifies Accelerated CNC Training Program, Partners with Seven Hills Foundation

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post, News Releases Posted 02/20/2018

For more information please contact:

Kathie Mahoney, kathiem@massmep.org

Worcester, MA – This February, nine participants in the MassMEP Accelerated CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Skills Training Program completed their training and received advanced MACWIC certification. The graduates spent seven weeks participating in an intensive experience that incorporates both classroom and hands-on curriculum to prepare them for jobs as CNC machine operators. This class was the first in which MassMEP partnered with Seven Hills Foundation in Worcester to train one of their supported individuals.

MassMEP’s training model combines classroom instruction, virtual simulation, and hands-on training to build job-ready skills. Additionally, students are provided work readiness skills that are critical in order to secure employment in today’s manufacturing industry. The training program was funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and Hollings Manufacturing Extension Program.

Congratulations to MassMEP’s Accelerated CNC Skills Training Program

graduation class, February 2018.

What began as an idea to train people with autism for careers in manufacturing morphed into a pilot project broadened to include people with various disabilities. One highly motivated individual, who happened to be in a wheelchair, was selected for this initial pilot. With support services from Seven Hills and a willingness from all training partners to see what was possible, Kelly O’Brien graduated as a certified CNC machine operator with the rest of her class.

Kelly O’Brien is the first Seven Hills Foundation client to graduate from

MassMEP’s Accelerated CNC Skills Training Program, February 2018.

“Kelly has worked hard and shown the drive and determination to take advantage of this opportunity and build a career path in a sector that is highly sought and needed here in Massachusetts,” said Trudy Dould, Clinician at Seven Hills Foundation. “Throughout this training, she showcased her abilities and did not let her disability present an obstacle in her goal of obtaining this certificate.” Seven Hills, along with other partners, is in the process of obtaining a special, motorized wheelchair that will allow Kelly to achieve a vertical, standing position to assist her at work.

“Seven Hills is committed to partner with MassMEP to provide manufacturing training to some of our supported individuals,” said Dr. David Jordan, President of Seven Hills Foundation. “This is a wonderful opportunity to educate and empower people to live the valued and meaningful life they choose…and provide Massachusetts manufacturers with great employees.”

Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the national NIST MEP system, is a leading resource for manufacturers. Committed to success in manufacturing, MassMEP transforms companies through solutions focused on innovative growth, operational excellence, and workforce development. The organization cultivates a sustainable community built on supportive relationships, idea sharing, and achievement.

About MACWIC

The purpose of the Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovative Collaborative is to preserve manufacturing tribal knowledge and to execute the transfer of knowledge and critical skills to the current and future workforce. For more information, visit http://www.macwic.org

MassMEP Launches New Mechanical Skill Training Program

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 02/12/2018

For More Information Contact:

– Kathie Mahoney, kathiem@massmep.org

MassMEP Launches New Mechanical Skill Training Program

Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, recently celebrated the graduation of the first class of students to complete Mechanical Systems Skills Training, a comprehensive new training program in mechanical power transmission for the shop floor. Participants learn skills in machine shafts & keys, bearings, belt drives, chain drives, machine shaft couplings, gear drives, machine speed reduces, electric brakes, and mechanical components. The next class starts March 5, 2018.

“The new training is designed to address the lack of mechanical skills in manufacturing,” stated John Killam, President MassMEP. “This type of introduction to the operating principles of power transmission in the most effective way, with skills-based training using the same industrial-strength components used in factory environments. We are thankful to the funding from the Baker-Polito Administration, through a Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant, to purchase the equipment.”

Mechanical Systems Skills Training features hands-on work with robust, stand-alone, mobile training stations. Rugged components are housed in a heavy-duty mobile framework with a customized modular drawer storage system. Classroom learning and the bench work hand-in-hand.

Eight people participated in the first class. Will Lyon from Epic Polymer Solutions (Northborough, MA) has a background as a motorcycle mechanic. He enjoyed being able to use brand new tools and parts. His co-worker, Michael Ducasse, shared, “Even though this course was pretty easy for us, we did find that some of the components on the work bench were not aligned properly. The fact that things were not perfect and we had to trouble shoot made it more like what you come up against on the job so we got a lot out of it!”

Rick Gemme, Manufacturing Operations Supervisor from Bose Corporation (Framingham, MA), stated that in the past they would send one person to a class like this and then that person would come back and share knowledge with the group. His company runs three shifts. Sending each person to the class helps them standardize procedures and ensure the same focus.

For more details, see the Mechanical System Skills Training brochure: http://massmac.org/newsline/1801/MSST_brochure.pdf

The next class starts March 5, 2018 and will be offered two days a week, three hours per day for four weeks. For more information, please contact Leslie Parady at lesliep@massmep.org or 508-831-7020 ext. 21.

About MassMEP

MassMEP Graduates Manufacturing-Trained Workers in the More Skilled Workers Program

By Sean Healy In News Releases Posted 03/21/2017

Worcester, MA – MassMEP recently celebrated the graduation of students who participated in the Advanced CNC Program funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The graduation was attended by Representatives Jeffrey Roy and Daniel Donahue, Senator Michael Moore, and the graduates’ family members.

Presenting citations to manufacturing graduates of the More Skilled Workers program. Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Rep. Daniel Donahue, Senator Michael Moore.

At the ceremony, Rep. Roy, House Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus Committee, recognized the hard work of the graduates and their dedication to building on their skill base in order to enter into a manufacturing career. Rep. Roy stated, “Congratulations for taking the step to be a part of the manufacturing renaissance that is going on in Massachusetts. Manufacturing is flourishing in Massachusetts.”

The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification training program was developed by the Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative (MACWIC) to meet the demands of Massachusetts manufacturers. Since it’s launch, MassMEP has graduated 326 students. The placement rate upon graduation is 93%, with an average starting wage of $18.00.

The MassMEP Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification program has worked with about 175 Massachusetts companies to provide assistance in filling their skills gaps. The benefit of the program is the cost savings to employers. By virtue of the candidates receiving the MACWIC credential upon graduation, an employer knows the competencies of the candidate prior to hiring them. This can save the employer significant time and cost when on-boarding a new employee.

The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification pyramid.

“This 7-week training program is life-changing for the participants,” stated John Killam, MassMEP President. “The training they receive provides them with the skills to earn a living wage and support their family. These are not skills they had prior to this training course, but now they will have them for the rest of their lives.”

The graduates spent seven (7) weeks participating in an intensive classroom and hands-on curriculum to prepare for jobs as CNC operators. MassMEP’s training model combines classroom, simulation, and hands-on training to build job ready skills. Additionally, students are prepared with work readiness skills that are critical in order to secure employment in today’s manufacturing. Their hard work was rewarded at graduation with the receipt of certificates in OSHA training and Principles of Lean manufacturing, as well as a certificate of completion for their full course work. Representatives Roy and Donahue and Senator Moore also presented the graduates with citations from the State House.

The advanced CNC training program covers 260 hours overall and includes 80 hours of foundational manufacturing skills, 100 hours of advanced CNC skills training at WPI, 40 hours of MasterCAM, 10 hours of OSHA training, and 30 hours of career readiness. Upon graduation, the students receive a 10-hour OSHA general industry card, Massachusetts Pre-Apprentice certificate, and MACWIC certification.

The program is a three-phase training strategy to prepare and place individuals in a paid job and position them along a career pathway that would culminate in certificate/degrees as CNC machine operators. The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and leveraged funding from MassDevelopment and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

Posts Tagged: Training

Safety and Compliance is liking eating a bowl of alphabet soup!

MassMEP Promotes Kathie Mahoney to Center Director

Massachusetts State Representative Jeff Roy at MassMEP’s Talent Management Roundtable on August 30, 2018

Karen Carswell Joins MassMEP as Project Manager for Western Region of Massachusetts

Requirements for welding, cutting and hot work permits have changed for manufacturing.

What is a Consortium Training Grant?

TribalVision and MassMEP Join Forces in Supporting Massachusetts Manufacturers

MassMEP Diversifies Accelerated CNC Training Program, Partners with Seven Hills Foundation

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

About MACWIC

MassMEP Launches New Mechanical Skill Training Program

About MassMEP

MassMEP Graduates Manufacturing-Trained Workers in the More Skilled Workers Program

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

About MACWIC

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