In Iowa’s competitive job market, enhancing the leadership capabilities of a company’s management team is crucial for drawing and keeping the best manufacturing professionals. Local enterprises must maximize the productivity of their existing workforce. To aid in this endeavor, CIRAS has appointed Steve Wilson as a dedicated project manager, who will assist Iowa companies in leveraging Training Within Industry (TWI) programs to strengthen the managerial skills of their supervisors. We had the opportunity to sit down with Steve to gain deeper insights into his approach and how he plans to empower Iowa’s workforce through effective leadership training.
Q: Tell me about TWI and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper.
TWI stands for Training Within Industry, a program developed in the United States during World War II to help companies rapidly train employees for new jobs. It consists of a set of standardized training methodologies focused on improving workforce skills, knowledge, and efficiency. TWI comprises three main components: Job Relations – JR focuses on developing positive relationships between supervisors and employees to enhance teamwork, morale, and productivity. It provides supervisors with skills to address and prevent conflicts, communicate effectively, motivate employees, and provide constructive feedback. Job Instructions: JI – focuses on effectively training employees to perform their tasks correctly, safely, and consistently. It emphasizes breaking down tasks into smaller steps, demonstrating those steps to employees, allowing them to practice, and providing feedback until proficiency is achieved. Job Methods – aims to improve workplace processes by encouraging employees to identify and implement better ways of performing their tasks. It involves analyzing current methods, brainstorming improvements, testing new methods, and standardizing the best practices.
TWI contributes to CIRAS’s overall goals by offering companies structured methodologies to develop their workforce and optimize their operations: Improved Workforce Skills: TWI helps companies train employees efficiently and effectively, ensuring they have the necessary skills to perform their jobs at a high level. This leads to higher productivity, lower error rates, and improved product quality: Increased Operational Efficiency: By implementing TWI methodologies such as Job Methods, companies can streamline their processes, eliminate waste, and identify opportunities for improvement. This results in increased efficiency, reduced costs, and better resource utilization: Enhanced Employee Engagement: Through Job Relations training, companies can cultivate positive work environments where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. This leads to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and increased employee loyalty and commitment: Sustainable Growth: By integrating TWI principles into their operations, companies can build a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. This enables them to adapt to changing market conditions, seize new opportunities, and sustain long-term growth and prosperity.
Q: What skills or experiences have prepared you for this role?
- Operations Expertise: With over three decades of experience in operations, I possess in-depth knowledge of various industry processes, challenges, and best practices. This expertise allows me to understand the specific needs and dynamics of different organizations, enabling me to tailor TWI methodologies to suit their unique requirements.
- Continuous Improvement: My commitment to continuous improvement demonstrates your understanding of the importance of optimizing processes and workflows for enhanced efficiency and productivity. My ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective solutions aligns well with the goals of TWI in promoting ongoing enhancements within organizations.
- Training and Facilitation Skills: My extensive background in training and facilitating groups from diverse industries equips me with the necessary skills to effectively deliver TWI training programs. My experience in leading workshops, conducting seminars, and facilitating discussions enables me to engage participants, impart knowledge, and facilitate skill development effectively.
- Passion for Development: My passion for coming alongside individuals and assisting them in their personal and professional growth aligns perfectly with the objectives of TWI. As a TWI Project Manager/Trainer, I can empower individuals and teams to enhance their skills, improve their operations, and achieve their goals, thereby contributing to their success and the overall success of the organizations they represent.
In summary, my experience in operations, continuous improvement, training, and facilitation, and my passion for development make me well-suited for the role of TWI Project Manager/Trainer. My ability to understand organizational needs, engage participants, and drive sustainable improvements will enable me to effectively support companies in their journey toward operational excellence and prosperity
Q: What types of companies do you work with? As a TWI Project Manager/Trainer, I excel in customizing my approach to suit any organization dedicated to developing its employees. My experience in operations, continuous improvement, and training, enables me to adapt methodologies such as Job Instruction, Job Methods, and Job Relations to align closely with each company’s unique goals and culture, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.”
Q: What opportunities for advancement are available for companies by working with CIRAS?
Working with CIRAS offers companies numerous opportunities for advancement, including access to specialized expertise, tailored consulting services, industry connections, and funding opportunities. CIRAS helps companies improve their competitiveness, productivity, and profitability through services such as process optimization, technology adoption, workforce development, market expansion, and innovation support. By leveraging CIRAS resources and expertise, companies can unlock new growth opportunities, enhance operational efficiency, drive innovation, and stay ahead of the competition in today’s dynamic business environment.
Q: How do you stay updated on the latest developments or trends in manufacturing?
There are several ways in which I stay updated on the latest developments and trends in manufacturing. These include Industry Conferences and Events, Continuous Learning (reading, webinars, workshops, and online courses), Research and Publications, and Internal Training and Collaboration provided by my CIRAS colleagues.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job as a CIRAS employee is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals and organizations by fostering their growth and development. I find immense satisfaction in witnessing the transformation of individuals as they enhance their technical skills, develop as leaders, and embrace a culture of continuous learning. Knowing that I am contributing to their success and the success of the organizations they represent fuels my passion and commitment to people’s development every day.
For more information, contact Steve Wilson at wilsons@iastate.edu or 515-620-6036.