[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.versa-pak.com\/blog\/our-training-program-at-versa-pak-2\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.versa-pak.com\/blog\/our-training-program-at-versa-pak-2\/","headline":"Our Training Program at Versa Pak","name":"Our Training Program at Versa Pak","description":"Share We\u2019ve taken a new approach to employee training at Versa Pak. By mixing a formal classroom environment with hands-on learning, we\u2019re able to meet the needs of different types of learners starting with the company — and we\u2019ve seen a positive outcome in the long run. When he\u2019s not presenting forklift training or training... Read more »<\/a>","datePublished":"2019-03-21","dateModified":"2023-02-28","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.versa-pak.com\/blog\/author\/versapak\/#Person","name":"Versa Pak","url":"https:\/\/www.versa-pak.com\/blog\/author\/versapak\/","identifier":2,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fdd4a894c6e32399c7117d9744d4cd7aec00e2f50376f90705cba1976bd21030?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fdd4a894c6e32399c7117d9744d4cd7aec00e2f50376f90705cba1976bd21030?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Versa Pak","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.versa-pak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/versapak_logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.versa-pak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/versapak_logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.versa-pak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/blog-image-versa-pak-trainer-ryan.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.versa-pak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/blog-image-versa-pak-trainer-ryan.jpg","height":400,"width":700},"url":"https:\/\/www.versa-pak.com\/blog\/our-training-program-at-versa-pak-2\/","about":["Distributor News"],"wordCount":791,"articleBody":"ShareWe\u2019ve taken a new approach to employee training at Versa Pak. By mixing a formal classroom environment with hands-on learning, we\u2019re able to meet the needs of different types of learners starting with the company — and we\u2019ve seen a positive outcome in the long run.When he\u2019s not presenting forklift training or training tenured employees on updates to processes like our SQF certification, Versa Pak\u2019s trainer Ryan Baer facilitates our new hire training every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Read on to learn more about our training for new employees and how it\u2019s been beneficial.Alternating Formal Training With Hands-On ExperiencesThe new approach to training for new employees mixes traditional classroom training with hands-on training.The formal classroom training, Baer said, includes the new employees coming in as entry-level line operators sitting in a classroom and following a presentation, such as on job requirements. Next, they transition into hands-on training on the floor, followed by another formal training.\u201cSince we are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we have different backgrounds of people coming in who we hire or are coming in through a temp agency, things like that, so we\u2019re able to accommodate the needs of everyone with the formal training and with the hands-on learning,\u201d he said.One example he noted was with new hires undergoing a formal classroom training with our quality control director to discuss Versa Pak\u2019s quality control and our certifications (like our SQF Certification). Next, the hands-on portion would have the new hires physically looking for the things the director taught them.Setting New Employees Up for SuccessEvery week, Versa Pak gets feedback on the training program, and Baer described the results as excellent, noting the new hires are more comfortable and confident.\u201cIt\u2019s not a job where they\u2019re just getting thrown on the line where they don\u2019t know what to expect,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve taken time to build a basic foundation for them to build their skills to be successful.\u201dLearn more about careers at Versa Pak >>Positive reassurance, Baer said, is a large part of the training program. He noted he likes to get the classroom involved and makes a point to vocalize to new employees \u201cgreat job\u201d or \u201cyou\u2019re doing good.\u201d\u201cWe get a lot of clapping or people that say \u2018good job;\u2019 just positive reinforcement,\u201d he said, adding they stay away from negativity. \u201cWe don\u2019t have a lot of, \u2018We don\u2019t do it like this.\u2019 We\u2019ll say, \u2018This is a way you can do it, and if there\u2019s another way you\u2019d like to try that works for you, by all means, you\u2019re more than welcome to try it that way.\u2019\u201dBy doing this, employees feel a sense of encouragement and pride in their performance, Baer said.\u201cStarting a new job can be very, very challenging,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have a good atmosphere, and that\u2019s some of the feedback that I get from the new hires.\u201cThere\u2019s not a lot of tension, not a lot of stress, and they\u2019re able to perform a job with little to no stress on their minds, little to no stress or strain on their bodies due to the equipment we provide,\u201d Baer said.Creating a Healthy, Positive Working EnvironmentBaer said he gets enjoyment out of both being a trainer and seeing what the healthy work environment brings to new hires.\u201cThat positive feedback gives individuals that \u2018I can\u2019 attitude. We want people that are coming in here to have that \u2018I can\u2019 attitude – \u2018Oh, I can do that,\u2019 \u2018I can help you,\u2019 \u2018I can go above and beyond what\u2019s expected of me every day,\u2019\u201d he said.At the end of their training on Thursdays, Baer said he promises the new employees he will be there to share in their success.\u201cAnytime they learn something new, anytime they have something they want to tell me or to share in what they’re doing, I will always be here to share in their success and their achievements and the direction they go in the company,\u201d he said.Training Program Helps Versa Pak Meet Our GoalsOverall, Baer said he\u2019s already noticed the effects of the new training system.\u201cWhen you can see some of the changes that have come because of the new training program, it really starts to feel good,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can physically see the changes that are made, the areas that are focused on. We\u2019re meeting those goals we\u2019ve looked to achieve throughout the factory.\u201dInterested in a career at Versa Pak? See our job openings and apply online.>> Apply Online <<"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.versa-pak.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Our Training Program at Versa Pak","item":"https:\/\/www.versa-pak.com\/blog\/our-training-program-at-versa-pak-2\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]