About the Warren County Industrial Training Consortium

Consortium Training Schedule (Classroom)

History:

The Consortium was formed in 2004 by three companies — Bando, DESA, and NASCO. These companies joined together to provide training for their employees by gaining access to funds through Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC). Approximately 50% of training cost is offset by the grant. The BSSC grant funding is not readily available to individual companies, however they give priority consideration to consortiums. Today there are approximately 36 member companies in the Consortium.

What We Do:

The Consortium coordinates training opportunities for local industries of Warren County. Membership is limited to industry so that training content will apply to employees who have similar backgrounds. As a member company, there is a minimal investment to gain access to valuable training for employees. The Consortium provides effective training at a nominal cost, held locally with minimal interruption to the work schedule.

When We Train:

Training classes are scheduled in 3 quarters — January to March, April to June, and August to October.

Where the Training is Held:

Training is held locally. Many times member companies volunteer their facilities to hold classes. This helps to reduce the cost of the training. If not at a member location, classes are held at various training centers, WKU, BGTC, and the Transpark.

Type of Training:

Training classes generally fall within the following areas:

Supervisory/Management Training, such as Fair Supervisory Practices and Performance Appraisals;
Computer Training, such as Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint;
Quality Assurance Training, such as Lean Manufacturing, TQM, and SPC;
Communication in the Workplace, such as Presentational Speaking and Effective Listening;
Customer Service, such as Dealing with Difficult People and Improving Customer Service;
Team and Employee Development, such as Team Leadership and Resolving Team Conflicts; and
Health and Safety Issues, such as Success with Stress and Preventing Workplace Accidents.

Training needs are solicited from the HR department of member companies. The board makes every effort to develop the class schedule based on company needs. New for 2008, the Consortium is offering online courses. Topics range from Accounting and Total Quality Fundamentals to Microsoft Project.

Training Cost:

There is an annual $50 membership fee, paid to the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, to join the Consortium. The total cost for each class is divided by the number of people enrolled in the class.

For example, currently the approximate cost of classes offered through the consortium ranges from $24 per person to $89 per person. The higher the enrollment in each class, the lower the price; thus, a three-hour class of 22 might cost $18 per person while a class of 11 would cost $36 per person.

In addition, the Bluegrass State Skills Grant would reimburse approximately 50% of these costs to qualifying companies.