It’s a chance for qualified staff to take their work skills to the next level with the university's Facilities Maintenance Associate Trainee Program. FOD's Senior Business Operations Analyst Desiree Weber oversees the project.
“The program creates a pipeline of talent from service titles into skilled trades,” Weber said. “We want to develop talent within. It’s a highly competitive market, and we realize we have a great resource if we tap into it.”
Participants go through classroom instruction, assessment, certifications, learning interventions, mentorship, and on-the-job training.
Nine Facilities Operations and Development participants and three Student Life participants, from custodial workers and storekeepers to transporters, went through 12 weeks of classroom and on-the-job experiences in spring 2019. They learned about hand and power tools, skilled trades terminology, customer service, communications, plumbing, electrical and carpentry courses.
“This program, developed in partnership with Ohio State's Center on Education and Training for Employment, aligns with the university's Career Roadmap by giving employees the opportunity to advance in the university and seek career paths,” Weber said. When complete, the Career Roadmap will give staff and managers a powerful new tool to develop themselves and their teams, building successful career paths at Ohio State. Staff will be able to see where their position fit in the Career Framework and what is needed to grow professionally.
Each business unit has technicians who can become a mentor in the program. “We have a group of talented individuals,” Weber said. “This program would not have been possible if it weren’t for our mentors.”
The next program will take place sometime in 2020. Anyone who has a service title and is in good standing with the university is eligible to apply. If you are interested in the Facilities Maintenance Associate Trainee Program, contact your HR generalist.