Technical
Skills Program
The National Technical Skills Program provides funding and serves as the umbrella for new technical skills program development and training of UAW-represented Ford workers. There are five major components of TSP. They are:
- Skilled Trades Technical Training
Equipment/machine training, state-of-
the-art technology
Continuous Improvement - Non-Craft Employee Training
Versatility/continuous improvement/
foundation skills
Plant quality and production systems - Business Systems Technical Training
- New Processes Training
- Enhanced Apprenticeship Training
- The Technology Awareness Program. Familiarizes UAW-represented Ford production employees with industry- related technologies, such as hydraulics, electronics, robotics, laser, fiber-optic and computer-generated manufacturing systems. The program is flexible and can be designed to address specific plant needs.
- The Automotive Technology Program. Trains workers in the primary automotive components and systems, including how powertrains, suspensions, steering, brakes, electrical systems and other systems function with one another.
- Local Technical Skills Programs Initiatives.
The National Technical Skills Program assists Local Technical Skills
Program committees in completing required training needs analysis and
obtaining funding support for technical skills initiatives. Some examples
of support include:
- Introduction to Computerized Machine Controls
- Customized training in Modicon
- programmable logic control programs
- Automatic Transmission Overview
- Welder Certification Training
- Train-the-Trainer Selection and Instruction
In addition to supporting national and local technical skills training initiatives, the National TSP committee assists locations with establishing or refurbishing technical skills training centers on-site in the plant. The National TSP committee has provided support for construction and equipment necessary to conduct training in a modern and well-equipped training environment.
The Technical Skills Program is for all UAW-represented Ford employees to help them bring together their skills, intelligence, and enthusiasm to meet the joint challenges of today and beyond.