Intensive college program gives hourly employees more tools to improve quality
As students geared up for the start of a new school year, hourly employees at Ford Motor Company plants throughout the U.S. hit the books themselves in an effort to further improve Ford’s vehicle quality. The joint UAW-Ford intensive one-year Certified Quality Specialist Program delivered through Wayne State University in Detroit helps UAW quality representatives master key manufacturing problem-solving skills in an effort to further improve vehicle quality. This new program takes place in about one-third the time required through previous training programs.
The Wayne State program is open to UAW plant quality representatives who are charged with monitoring and implementing standardized quality processes in Ford plants. The course is conducted through a combination of instructor-led workshops at WSU and self-guided online sessions completed by quality reps in their own plants at their own pace. Course work focuses on the impact of quality on customer satisfaction using such analytical tools as statistical process control, Six Sigma problem-solving and interpersonal communications.
QUOTES
“Ford leadership recognizes the value in helping our manufacturing operators obtain the skills they need as quickly as possible. This program used to take three years to complete. Now our people will be certified in one year. Everyone recognizes we don’t have time to wait three years.”
Philip Calhoun, Ford’s director, Manufacturing Quality, The Americas
“The Certified Quality Specialist Program is the right training for the right people at the right time. We accelerated the learning and made changes to reflect the disciplined, standardized quality process being used in all the plants.”
Brock Roy, UAW Co-Chair UAW-Ford National Quality Committee
“I know of only one other automaker that started a program like this, but they quickly terminated it due to budget constraints. A better approach is what Ford is doing: Equipping their employees with the tools they need to perform at the highest level possible. It’s a worthwhile investment.”
Ahmad Ezzeddine, associate vice president for Educational Outreach at WSU
