Tooling UniversityTM to Provide On-Demand Web-Based Training for Shop Floor to Management-Level Employees
CLEVELAND, OH-March 26, 2001-Jergens, Inc. today announced a major new venture intended to provide online training of industrial manufacturing skills. Tooling University training delivers on-demand, real-world manufacturing content from the industry's experts. Organized like a traditional university, Tooling U training includes disciplines such as Workholding, Metal Forming, Metal Cutting, Materials, and Material Handling. Faculty members individually respond to student questions via e-mail and electronic forums on the Tooling U web site.
"Tooling U was created to eliminate many of the difficulties associated with traditional training techniques for the manufacturing workforce, such as seminars, text-based or video-based approaches," states Jack Schron, Jr., president of Jergens. "Being online means we can provide 'no downtime' learning. Sessions can be scheduled around production requirements or personal schedules. Also, travel, lodging and meal expenses associated with training are eliminated. Because it is web-based, our training is infinitely scaleable and portable--you can reach as many employees as needed wherever they are, as many times as necessary."
"Online training is current, relevant training," states Wes Howard, Managing Director of the Tooling University. "Material is kept up-to-date in a way that is impossible for manuals, CDs, books, or videos to achieve.
Additionally, training from Tooling U is accountable. The progress of each employee is monitored. we can provide, for example, documentation for ISO continuing education requirements."
Tooling U students participate in classes that exploit the Internet's capabilities. Detailed instruction using audio, text, photographs, and illustrations are supplemented by full-motion video, pop-up keyword glossaries, and links to relevant web sites. Participants communicate with instructors and fellow students via e-mail, message boards, and chat rooms. For students with slow Internet connections, supplemental multimedia CD-ROMs are supplied to ensure the complete interactive experience.
Tooling U has already been embraced by major manufacturing industry equipment and service suppliers. Current department sponsors include: Valenite (Metal Cutting), Castle Metals (Materials), Dayton Progress (Metal Forming), Crane Training (Material Handling), and Jergens (Workholding). (Sponsors receive broad rights to employ Tooling U material in their internal and external training and marketing programs.)