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JJC Delivers Multimeter Training to Tennessee Company
It started last fall with a grounding error that ultimately resulted in three days of training for Bechtel Jacobs LLC, an Oak Ridge, Tennessee environmental management contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy.
"We had a near miss from a grounding error in which a light was essentially welded to a steel column," said Larry Craze, training specialist for Bechtel Jacobs. The need for training became apparent after that event, according to Craze. "Not only did we need to verify that electrical workers could read zero voltage, but that they could use meters for the proper function. Follow up investigations, however, revealed that we should open the training to other projects."
They found the right training solution on the Internet. Bechtel Jacobs' training manager visited Joliet Junior College's (JJC) Training Update web site and contacted Bruce Kuzmanich, contract training manager for JJC’s Corporate and Community Services department. "We've been offering Fluke Multimeter training for years," said Kuzmanich. "We knew it would be a good solution for Bechtel Jacobs."
The training was scheduled for three days in July beginning on July 7 and ending on July 9. "These were three separate one-day sessions that packed a lot of information into eight hours," said Kuzmanich.
Nevertheless, most of the employees scheduled for training were skeptical. "As a result of the recent events, our electrical workers had been subjected to grueling supervision and tests," said Craze. "They expected that the class was only being offered to appease our client (U.S. Department of Energy) and that they would gain no value."
Instead, the class was better than expected. "Nearly all of the 61 electrical workers were pleased with the day they spent with Glen Mazur and asked for training on a broader selection of topics," said Craze.
"A big reason this class is successful is Glen Mazur," said Kuzmanich. "Glen puts together a really good hands-on learning experience that keeps students engaged in the learning process. Everything in the class is relevant to their jobs too. It is well done."
Mazur taught the class at the Bechtel Jacobs facility in Oak Ridge. "Glen packed up the equipment he uses to teach this class, it's valued at more than $200,000," said Kuzmanich, "and drove to Bechtel a day early to prepare for the training."
Apparently, all this paid off for the workers taking the class. One participant, Margaret Whitehead, said, "Great course. Great Instructor. Would be nice if course was three days. The 'hands-on' is excellent. Instructor very knowledgeable, and appreciate the insight and up-to-date information," she said.
Another participant, Mike Morgan, wishes he had this class earlier in his career. "I wish I had this before, and more often," said Morgan. One more student simply said the course "removed a lot of cob webs and that they learned a lot about meters."
"Any business involved with electrical contracting work – particularly those affected by new safety regulations should consider this one-day multimeter training," said Kuzmanich. "It solves a lot of electrical safety issues." To learn more about Fluke Multimeter training, call Bruce Kuzmanich at (815) 280-1512, or e-mail bkuzmani@jjc.edu.
Learn Digital Multimeter Principles Online
This Internet-supported course is a production of the Joliet Junior College Community and Economic Development in cooperation with American Technical Publishers, Inc. (ATP), Joliet Junior College Media Services, with authorized materials from Fluke Corporation.
The Digital Multimeter Principles Online Training Program, or DMP-01, is an eight-week Internet-supported course designed for industrial electricians and other professionals who wish to enhance their on-the-job electrical systems testing skills by learning to use the modern generation of versatile hi-tech digital multimeters.
This course combines the best elements of home study materials along with CD-ROM-based instructional multimedia/video materials which also provides critical learning links to the course's testing and communications website.
Live, interactive testing, instructor communications, and updated course materials can be accessed by the learner online through the Joliet Junior College course management system.
To order, call (815) 280-1555 and ask to register for ELC 105.
For further information contact amurphy@jjc.edu.
JJC Hires New Dean of Community and Economic Development
When Dan Kreidler began his career with the South Metropolitan Association of Chicago, part of his job was to convince business managers to hire emotionally disturbed teens – not an easy task. Yet, he found a way to do it effectively and his efforts brought in the kind of contracts that kept his teens earning money and learning new skills. He also learned how to satisfy the needs of both his business clients and his teen clients by bringing them together for a common purpose.
"I approached businesses by asking managers what they needed and finding ways our kids could satisfy those needs," said Kreidler. "I would start with the needs of the business manager – not mine."
That was the way Kreidler began his 26-year career in education which led him to Joliet Junior College as the Director of Tech Prep and ETC Programs and, ultimately, his new job as dean of Community and Economic Development (CED) on July 1, 2009.
As JJC's Tech Prep Director, Kreidler managed dual credit initiatives and wrote grants totaling more than $300,000. That role, however, was not enough to satisfy his need to find new and better educational solutions for people. Going outside his job responsibilities, he began working with others to help start an Orthotic and Prosthetic program in 2006. "I'm very proud of the fact that we're one of a few schools in the U.S. to have such a program," said Kreidler.
"It is no surprise that JJC's Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Dennis Haynes, selected Kreidler to be the Dean of the CED division, said Amy Murphy, director of CED's Corporate and Community Services department. "His work with businesses and different learning populations gives him a perspective that is unique. He talks the language of business and hears the needs of students."
In 1992, the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators (MASEA) apparently saw the same qualities because they created The Dan Kreidler Newcomer award and gave it to him for his unique contribution to the organization.
Kreidler believes community colleges and Joliet Junior College in particular, are well-positioned to deal with the challenges of a hurting economy. "Community college is the best bet for your dollar," said Kreidler. "Also, data tells us that the greatest need will be for advanced post high school education in technical and occupational areas – 65 percent. Community colleges have a strong foundation in technical education and that is what we need right now."
Kreidler would like businesses to get more involved with the college by working closely with instructors and curriculum designers to tailor courses to solve real problems. "Employee retention, for example, is a big concern to business," said Kreidler. "Give us real world examples and we will train to your needs."
Those words reflect the continuing evolution of Kreidler's emphasis on client need. Only today, he has shortened it to three words: "Work with us."
For more information, call Dan Kreidler at (815) 280-1363, or e-mail dkreidle@jjc.edu.
JJC Process Technology Graduate Shares His Experience
Scott Attaway recently graduated of Joliet Junior College's (JJC) Process Technology program. This 14 to 17 week course prepares participants for careers in the petrochemical industry. Companies such as the Stepan Corporation, Citgo, ExxonMobil and others have successfully hired these graduates. Many of these firms have helped JJC design the program.
"I think Scott Attaway is a good example of how this program can help people," said Bruce Kuzmanich, contract training manager for JJC’s Corporate and Community Services department. "There a lot of people like Scott, who spent years in a job with little or no future and found a well-paying career in the petrochemical industry - after only a few weeks of training."
What follows is an interview with Scott Attaway. His enthusiasm and optimism are obvious as is his positive attitude.
JJC: What prompted you to enroll?
ATTAWAY: I was in a "go nowhere" job and passed up for a promotion when I decided to take control of my own future.
JJC: How did you hear about JJC's program?
ATTAWAY: It wasn't until I took a Fluid Power course with Jeff Bradford (JJC professor in Technical Department) last fall that sparked my interest in the field. So I enrolled in the process operator associates program which later was canceled due to lack of enrollment. Mr. Bradford told me to get in contact with Bruce Kuzmanich about a fast track program starting up soon in the same field.
JJC: Have you talked with employers about jobs and, if so, have you had any offers?
ATTAWAY: I started at CITGO about 4 weeks ago, the whole hiring process began about the same time I started the petro program. All the application, testing and interview phases seemed to progress along with the course, allowing me to be more prepared for each new step.
JJC: Have potential employers told you anything about the quality of the program?
ATTAWAY: I did have a friend at CITGO who told me JJC had a really good petro program and if I wanted to get into CITGO, it would help to
take it.
JJC: What will you do next?
ATTAWAY: Some of the courses sparked my interest in controls and automation; I plan to come back next spring to continue my education. Being 44 years old I was a bit apprehensive about going back to school, but the instructors really made it easy.
For more information about the process technology program at JJC, call Bruce Kuzmanich at (815) 280-1512, or e-mail bkuzmani@jjc.edu.