Vigor Industrial
Headquarters: Portland, with locations in OR, WA and CA
Product: Marine and industrial services from marine vessel repair to industrial space leasing
Employees: 300-500 across seven locations
www.vigorindustrial.com
Situation
Vigor Industrial, like many businesses, is affected by seasonal and economic fluctuations. To maintain high performance in the midst of variability, the company established a goal to strengthen its predominantly skilled trade workforce. The strategy to achieve it was to increase the skill range of its employees. After all, an electrician who can also weld is a more versatile employee.
Vigor Industrial began working with Portland Community College (PCC) to identify skill-building classes that match company needs. But, to maximize its investment, the company wanted to focus training resources on employees who are committed to career development. PCC recommended using Oregon's National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), which would also capture a skills baseline for each employee.
Utilizing the National Career Readiness Certificate
In early 2010, Vigor Industrial began a pilot career development program at its Portland facility. The program included tuition support for PCC classes designated in a training plan. To be eligible, employees had to attend a program orientation and earn a certificate. Since Vigor Industrial's human resource manager in Portland is authorized by ACT to administer the WorkKeys® assessments that make up the NCRC, the program has been delivered on-site. The 14 employees who completed the NCRC included supervisors, journey level workers and trade helpers.
"When our employees are motivated to continue developing their skills, they demonstrate commitment to their career. Providing tuition support is one way we demonstrate our commitment to them."
- Frank Foti, CEO
Impact
The levels earned on the NCRC by the participants helped the company design customized employee training plans. In some cases, PCC waived prerequisite requirements on the strength of the certificate level. Participating employees are in the process of completing coursework as part of their training plans. Thus far, the management of Vigor Industrial is impressed by the pilot group's motivation and assessment results and is evaluating the potential of expanding its use of the NCRC for employee development.
