Unique program fosters lifelong learning

By Tina Bryson and Breana Krotz

The Career Enrichment Institute (CEI) and Apprentice Program provide a unique opportunity for employees in Facilities and Auxiliaries to further their education and learn or enhance trade skills.

Both professional development initiatives have been in place since 2000 and grew out of the vision of Sherwood Wilson, associate vice president of administration for Facilities and Auxiliaries, to have the most technically competent staff in the state. Facilities and Auxiliaries is comprised of Housing and Food Service, Facilities Management and Campus Services.

"Facilities and Auxiliaries and AFSCME Local 1699 knew that to maintain and expand the skill levels needed for the workplace, we would need to overhaul our existing system to foster the expectation of excellence from everyone," said Brent Patterson, manager of the institute and apprentice program.

The challenge was to create a program that would allow employees to take ownership of their own professional development by allowing them to set high standards they could strive for and providing courses that would enable them to get the training they needed and were interested in.

"I've taken a variety of courses through the program, learning some new skills," said Karen Parsons, residential custodial services. "The program lets you decide. I had the chance to take some basic electrical, plumbing and carpet and tile repair classes."

Both initiatives were developed in partnership with Hocking College. Through these programs, Facilities and Auxiliaries employees and other Ohio University employees can take courses through Hocking tuition free, earning credit toward any of the associate's degree programs offered by Hocking. Likewise, Hocking employees can take college-credit courses at the University. Through the agreement, Ohio University employees taking courses at the Hocking College campus are billed only for the labs, general fees and materials.

"We have a very unique program," Patterson said. "This program empowers employees to take an active role in their own professional development. Our greatest hope is that as our employees begin to experience higher education for themselves, that they will also see the opportunities that exists for their children and grandchildren."

Patterson has fielded inquiries from institutions like Kent State University and Duke University who were interested in Ohio University's CEI and the Apprentice Program.

The uniqueness of the University's program lies in the development of the curriculum as well as the implementation of the programs. All Facilities and Auxiliaries employees (management, supervisory, bargaining unit and classified) can enroll in one work-related course on paid time during the quarter. Employees may also enroll in one class on unpaid time. Courses are held in University facilities and are taught by Hocking College instructors. Roughly, 100 to 120 University employees enroll in courses each quarter. Thus far, about 420 employees have participated in the program.

"I decided to enroll in the Apprentice Program out of curiosity. I don't think you are ever too old to learn and I wanted to broaden my experience. I gained something from every class I took. I would encourage every employee to try the program," said Wanda Rutter, residential custodial services.

The Apprentice Program has as its foundation a core curriculum including such courses as Conflict Resolution, Customer Service, Communication, Diversity, Basic Math and Computer Skills. The core curriculum was purposefully structured with courses that would give employees the basic tools needed to deal with the challenges and customer interactions they face every day on the job, Patterson said.

The program began with 15 senior employees and allows those wanting to pursue a career in maintenance to be mentored by experienced craftspeople in Facilities Management. When positions in the skilled trades become vacant, there is an existing internal pool of highly qualified candidates from which to draw. Participants in this program must also complete a rigorous schedule of traditional classes and hands-on learning experiences.

Although the program was implemented for Facilities and Auxiliaries employees, Patterson says that any Ohio University employee can enroll in the courses. Because the program was implemented specifically for Facilities and Auxiliaries employees, they have the first opportunity to register for classes. However, if classes are not filled other University employees can enroll in the courses on a first come, first served basis. The reciprocal agreement with Hocking would cover the cost of tuition with the employee picking up the general fee, any lab fees and book costs.

"We've had a number of employees across the campus take some of the hands-on classes like upholstery, carpentry and plumbing," Patterson said. "We're definitely proud of what we've accomplished thus far, and we continue to set goals for the purpose of enriching the personal and professional lives of Ohio University Facilities and Auxiliaries employees. We want to continue to reinforce the importance of seeking out opportunities for life-long learning."

Tina Bryson is the editor of Outlook. Breana Krotz is a student writer with University Communications and Marketing.