The Chrysler-Weldtech Approach to Retraining Displaced Workers. A Model Project to Develop Specialized Welding Skills Required for Modern Auto Assembly Operations. Final Technical Report

• Main Authors: Lyons, Thomas M, Knight, Glen A
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 31-07-1985
• Subjects: Chrysler Learning Inc; Curriculum Development; Dislocated Workers; Industrial Training; Institutes (Training Programs); Pilot Projects; Postsecondary Education; Program Development; Program Effectiveness; Retraining; Trade and Industrial Education; Welding

A model project was conducted to demonstrate how Chrysler, in partnership with the education community and the government, could provide technical training to enable displaced workers to contribute to the "H-Body" car launch, to improve their job skills, and to enhance their future employability. The training was conducted on a pilot basis for 2 groups with a total of 18 participants. The major emphasis was placed on the process of developing and testing the retraining model. In planning the model, information was gathered by an advisory committee over a three-month period in 1984 about the occupational requirements for workers performing assembly welding at the plant, the overall atmosphere in which welding would be performed, and the experience and skills of the dislocated workers who would be retrained. The project advisory committee agreed that as a result of pilot training, participants should be able to demonstrate welding-related competencies in a variety of knowledge and "hands-on" skill areas. They then developed the curriculum and chose course materials based on these goals. A total of 280 training hours were to be provided by WeldTech, the Chrysler training school, with an additional 40 hours of onsite followup at the plant. Participants were chosen from long-term displaced workers from Chrysler plants. After participation in the training program, participants showed large gains on post-tests compared to pretests. The workers who successfully completed the program have gone on to welding jobs on the assembly line. In a few cases, workers had to take other jobs because of physical conditions that prevented their success. (Half of this document contains such exhibits as a welding duties/tasks list, project performance objectives, skill forms, tests, sample text material, student evaluation form, and certificate.) (KC)