Humeng - Case Studies

Skills Management and eLearning at
DuPont, Zodiaq® Surfaces

Background

DuPont, Zodiaq® Surfaces division, manufactures high quality agglomerated quartz slabs with both residential and commercial applications such as countertops and walls. The plant located in Thetford Mines, Quebec, employs approximately one hundred production workers.

Challenge

To remain competitive, the company must increase its production of saleable slabs. In order to accomplish this goal it must increase its productivity and decrease its rejects. Employees must therefore master the skills they need to safely, efficiently and consistently execute their jobs. Best work practices must be well documented and communicated to employees.

According to Alain Lambert, Training Coordinator:

"The implementation of our training program using a skills management approach is well on its way to success. Although some challenges remain, many accomplishments have been documented. The training and skills management infrastructure was put in place on an operational level in 2003. We are presently in the “buy-in” phase by users and are measuring efficiency".

Solution

Management decided to create a partnership with Humeng International Inc. and implement a skills management approach to training in order to better target training investments and increase plant productivity.

In 2003, those responsible for training at DuPont, Thetford Mines and the specialists at Humeng:

	implemented TransliaisonsTM TL4, Humeng’s skill management software, including the "Skills Recognition" module
	produced skill profiles for 13 jobs that have a direct impact on product quality. These jobs were also identified as high-priority for the succession plan
	produced the skill profiles of the employees assigned to the 13 jobs
	produced practical technical guidelines for key jobs
	produced multimedia, computer-assisted training programs on health and safety and key operation jobs. Management decided to adopt this type of training in order to profit from its many advantages including flexibility, consistency in message, increased retention, etc. It is interesting to note that although 42% of the plant’s employees had never used a computer, 96% of participants found this training method to be "Good" to "Excellent".

All these skills development tools are accompanied by a communications strategy geared to all employees at all levels. DuPont, Zodiaq® Surfaces, have created a philosophy of "learning for all employees". Department heads are trained on how to use TransliaisonsTM TL4 to monitor the skills development of their employees. Trainers are trained internally and supervisors are responsible for the skills development of their employees.

According to Marc Triganne, Human Resources Director:

"We are very pleased with the results to date and are confident that the approach we have adopted will be a determining factor in our objective of becoming a world-class company. The increase in the knowledge of our workforce will be key in our company’s evolution and longevity".

Never a dull moment at DuPont, Zodiaq®, Thetford Mines! All these efforts in skills development were also acknowledged with a regional prize given by the Canadian administration Club, Asbestos Chapter. DuPont, Zodiaq®, Thetford Mines was awarded the Training Prize, Small and Medium Business Category at the 15th Industrial and Commercial Olympiads in 2003.

In 2004, those responsible for training at DuPont, Thetford Mines, have plans to:

	continue training with the computer-assisted training programs
	proceed with the skills recognition of the employees holding key operating jobs
	produce new computer-assisted training programs on mixing equipment

With all these efforts and a well-planned strategy based on the skills development of its employees, there is no doubt that this dynamic company will attain its objectives.

To follow in April: Skills Recognition: process and results

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