SPECIALIZED TRAINING HELPS UNILEVER INVEST IN WORKFORCE
Unilever of Jefferson City has seen considerable expansion over the last two years. This growth created a large investment in equipment modernization and additional production capabilities. It also brought about the need to upskill the company’s workforce to meet current industry standards.
In partnership with Missouri One Start, State Fair Community College (SFCC) The LearningForce worked with Unilever to develop a Custom Technical Training Center. A team member from the college worked closely with the company to develop a specialized training plan for their workforce, and identified the appropriate tools and equipment needed for the training center. Together they developed curriculum and established a dedicated learning space in Unilever’s plant. Employees now have dedicated training space to receive instruction via classroom training, skills demonstrations, and hands-on application courses.
This investment in training development has led to a better understanding of employees’ current skill levels. Additionally, it has also expanded the company’s pool of available qualified candidates for growth opportunities. Since the project began, Unilever has been able to train and assess more than 50 employees.
“State Fair Community College is a valued partner in leveraging the educational opportunities afforded to our workforce,” says Creag Garrett, Training Supervisor. “The addition of the Center’s programs revolutionizes the way our future workforce perceives manufacturing and supports our ongoing commitment to invest in our people.”
“Unilever is a valuable employer and partner in the region and their commitment to training and development demonstrates the company’s commitment to economic development,” says Amy Jackson, Executive Director of State Fair Community College’s The LearningForce. “Their innovation and investment in their facility and people is cutting edge.”
About Missouri One Start:
Missouri One Start is a Division within the Department of Economic Development. Training programs are administered regionally by local education agencies (LEAs). In addition to meeting certain eligibility criteria, companies must be making a capital investment five times greater than the amount of training funds they receive.
