A great success story coming from the WEDnetPA partner - North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission featuring participating company: Osram Sylvania.
Registered in 1906, OSRAM SYLVANIA, INC., has been producing incandescent light bulbs for over 100 years in the St. Marys area, with the last 55 years at our current location. As a major employer in Elk County, the years have presented several challenges and opportunities in process improvement and new product initiatives.
In 2007, OSRAM SYLVANIA, had record sales. With production increasing, the need for new skilled workers also increased. OSRAM SYLVANIA addressed this need and continues to do so with a rigorous hiring process requiring both a written and mechanical aptitude test. Operating three shifts round the clock, employees must be able to troubleshoot the production process. OSRAM SYLVANIA is also faced with ongoing legislative and environmental challenges as we move to conserve and “go green.” The halogen bulb and the new LED street lamp are responses to this move and show how OSRAM SYLVANIA has been creative despite challenges.
Fortunately, OSRAM SYLVANIA in St. Marys had North Central to help us address our need for a skilled workforce. North Central has been working with OSRAM SYLVANIA since mid 1990’s. With three Customized Job Training Grants, a Governor’s Action Team Award, and WEDnetPA, OSRAM SYLVANIA used resources available to us through the Department of Community and Economic Development to focus efforts to develop and implement training programs advancing our workers’ skills. “Programs such as WEDnet offered us the ability to use our own resources, our employees, as trainers for complex operating procedures,” remarked Cindy Cortinovis, Human Resource Supervisor for OSRAM SYLVANIA. “We also have the flexibility to hire third-party trainers or consultants, if needed. Training made simple. Such partnerships are key to past and future ventures.”
I advise companies who face similar training challenges to look for funding opportunities through programs such as WEDnetPA.
