Training is an integral part of ensuring that all workers get the support they need. Not only does training prepare them to do their current jobs more effectively, but it can also help set them up for success in future professions; a job requirement becoming increasingly critical for millennials. Incorporating an all-encompassing training system is a key way to help white and blue collar workers alike, allowing you to deliver higher-quality training that will bring your employees to an increased standard while lowering the skills gap, and preparing them for future success.

Bridging the Gap Between Salaried and Hourly Manufacturing Employees Through Training

Salaried and hourly manufacturing employees can face a variety of challenges. Some of those challenges are similar between the two sets of employees. Others, however, differ based on employee knowledge and experience.

Provide Information About the “Why”

In order to effectively train manufacturing employees, you don’t just need to give them the “how.” They also need to know the “why.” Many training platforms, however, fail to offer that critical information. Suppose, for example, that you’re manufacturing car parts. One of your departments may be responsible for checking the fit of specific items; but why is that important? That simple piece of information can go a long way toward enhancing overall employee knowledge and making them more effective decision-makers.

Allow Hourly Employees to Go Above and Beyond

Some of your hourly employees have no desire to move through the ranks of your manufacturing plant. They may like the fact that they can easily get overtime, or prefer to work in an area with less overall responsibility. Others blue collar workers want to move into white collar positions within your facility, which often require less manual labor and the chance to improve corporate skills. With an effective training system, you can provide employees with the opportunity to go above and beyond. Not only do they have access to training specific to positions they already hold, they can consider training for positions they might want to hold in the future. Going through classes, certifications, and training sessions can help prepare them for those roles, while proving to workers that the company is investing in their professional growth.

Watch Employee Motivation

Providing those training opportunities doesn’t just benefit your employees. It can also benefit you, as the employer. You can easily watch employees, from warehouse workers to direct manufacturing workers, is willing to go above and beyond. Who puts in minimum time on your training system, and who takes advantage of everything you have to offer? Looking at that key training data can help you make decisions about raises and promotions, as well as ensuring that you can provide the information employees really need to be successful.

What Do You Need For This All-Encompassing Training System?

Are you ready to incorporate an all-encompassing training system that can help both white and blue collar workers in your facility? Consider some of these important elements.

What training do all employees need?

Take a look at the specific information, from safety training to product training that your employees need to know. What do they need in order to be effective employees and complete their roles within your organization effectively?

What are your large-scale objectives for your employees?

What are the specific metrics and business goals you want your training to impact? How will you measure the overall success of your training program? By starting with those questions and working backward, you can more effectively determine how to create training modules needed to enhance overall employee success.

What problems are you planning to solve with these training modules?

Generally, employee training is designed to rectify a problem. In the manufacturing industry, the problem could be a shortage of available workers with the industry knowledge needed in order to excel. You could need to onboard employees more effectively, especially if it’s difficult to retain more experienced workers who can provide new employees with firsthand knowledge of the equipment and processes you use on a regular basis. Find a training program that can offer personal mentorship programs for new and existing employees, allowing for stronger worker buy-in, company loyalty, job satisfaction, and leadership opportunities. 

​According to SHRM, over the next decade, there could be a shortage of 2 million manufacturing employees. 

Identify problems you’re having and how training can solve them. Focus on specific strategies to implement in order to address concerns.

How will your employees learn effectively?

Consider your current employee demographics and how they may impact training options. For example, if a high percentage of your employees do not speak English as their first language, they may learn best with material presented in their first language or visual tools. Additionally, you find employees best retain information through short sessions, and that they learn best when their training sessions are varied, visual, and incorporate microlearning. Pay attention to challenges employees may face, including any handicaps or accessibility issues that could interfere with their ability to take part in that training. If you genuinely want to bridge the content gap, it’s critical employees’ training meets their needs, rather than forcing them to conform to your training methods.

Choosing the Right Manufacturing Training Provider

The right training system can make a huge impact on your employees and your manufacturing business. With an effective training system, you can develop the skills you need in your workers, build loyalty, and prepare them for overall success in their careers, all from one relatively convenient platform. Knowledge Anywhere has the experience and know-how in manufacturing training. To learn more about our learning platform and content, and how it can benefit white and blue collar workers in your facility, schedule a free meeting with us today!

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