Volvo Certification Training Lab

Posted on Categories Business, Community, Workforce Engagement, Employability Skills, Industry Certifications, Promising Practices in Adult CTE, Work-based learning

At a Glance

Students in the Diesel Mechanics and Agricultural Mechanics programs at Franklin County Career and Technology Center can earn an industry certification in Lean Manufacturing and Assembly Operations. 

Overview

Since 2011, the Franklin County Career and Technology Center (CTC) has partnered with the Volvo Construction Equipment Company in Shippensburg, PA to provide a Certified Assembly Training Program for adult learners. Based on the success of the 40-hour program with adult students, the school expanded the program in 2012 to include high school (secondary) students currently enrolled in the Diesel Mechanics and Agricultural Mechanics program. 

Secondary students enrolled in the Diesel Mechanics and Agricultural Mechanics programs study and train in the Volvo Certification Training Lab to become certified in Lean Manufacturing and Assembly Operations. Individuals with this training and certification have an advantage in the workplace since they can begin working as assemblers immediately upon hiring.

High school students receive the same instruction as the adults, and obtain the same certification. This certification is recognized and used by many of the largest employers in America. Some of these companies include Volvo, John Deere, Ford, General Motors, and Harley Davidson. 

Origin / Implementation

The local Volvo Plant in Shippensburg, PA contacted the school in 2011 to explore the possibility of coordinating a training program through the CTC for adult entry-level assembly employees. The school responded by providing space, and the company provided $50,000 in start-up funds along with the necessary tools, equipment, and other training material needed to operate a 40-hour Assembly Certification Program. 

The instructors from the school’s Diesel Mechanics and Agricultural Mechanics programs enrolled in the 40-hour Instructor Certification Training and became Volvo certified in order to teach the program to their students.

Results / Impact

As a result of the implementation of this training program, an average of 16 Diesel Mechanics students and 14 Agricultural Mechanics students successfully complete this certification program each year. During 2012-2015, approximately 90 high school students were certified. These students have a strong advantage when seeking employment with this industry-recognized certification.

Contact

Franklin County Career and Technology Center

Kevin Grove, Diesel Mechanics Instructor
Email: kgrove@franklinctc.com

Brian Yeager, Agricultural Mechanics Instructor
Email: byeager@franklinctc.com