Original Date: 06/29/1995
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Training is an integral part of business at Wainwright Industries, and the company budgets up to 7% of its annual payroll (an average of 2.8 hours per week) toward training its associates and managers. Training programs have been tailored to incorporate the company philosophy; classes are administered internally with most classes taught on site.

As new processes come on line, associates and managers receive training to understand and perform these new processes. The employees also drive the need for classes to improve work skills. For example, classes are arranged if refresher courses in basic skills such as math, writing, or reading are required. The same situation applies to training in machining operations, SPC, or equipment maintenance. Considerable training focuses on safety, teaming, problem solving, and human behavior -- areas that affect the internal customer. Examples include Being a Team Player, Requesting Help, Taking on a New Assignment, Keeping Your Boss Informed, Resolving Issues with Others, and Dealing with Emotional Behavior. Training classes administered by Wainwright are also complemented with a tuition reimbursement program that allows associates and managers to attend off-site classes at other learning institutions.

Training helps develop self-confidence and self-recognition at Wainwright, and its effectiveness is measured through improvements in quality and operational performance, and through associate promotion percentage. Currently, 60% of all Wainwright associates have been promoted.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.