From Resources to Ronald McDonald

00:00:00: Hello, I'm your host Adam Brunner, and welcome to the Avonix Minute, your quick bi-weekly podcast for all the important stories, news, and announcements for Avonix North America region.

00:00:12: The date is January, twenty-ninth, twenty-twenty-six, and on today's episode, Avonix New Apprenticeship Program in Indiana prepares future manufacturing professionals.

00:00:22: An Alabama site supports Ronald McDonald House Charities, and we look ahead to Black History Month.

00:00:28: and back on a year of past success with Avonix Employee Resource Groups.

00:00:33: Those stories and more coming up in just a minute.

00:00:46: First up, Avonix Tippecanoe Laboratories in Indiana has introduced a new apprenticeship program to prepare the next generation of manufacturing professionals by combining hands-on experience with academic learning.

00:00:57: This fifteen-month program offers participants, including recent high school graduates and career changers, full-time compensation while splitting their time between on-site training and classroom instruction at Ivy Tech Community College.

00:01:10: Participants spend one-third of their program at Ivy Tech studying subjects like math, chemistry, and manufacturing theory, while the remaining time is dedicated to practical, on-the-job training at Tippecanoe Labs.

00:01:21: Graduates earn a technical certificate in process operations, equipping them with the skills needed for long-term success in manufacturing.

00:01:28: Brett Guiltmeyer, a senior manufacturing transformation manager at Tippecanoe, helped create the program.

00:01:34: This program is a little different in the sense that we're going out and we're kind of looking for raw potential.

00:01:39: We do most of our training here on the floor, you know, in more traditional job shadowing, but the upskilling from the class is what this is bringing to the table.

00:01:49: And we're going to start other classes, you know, behind them.

00:01:52: So I feel like we're giving people a chance that otherwise wouldn't be able to kind of get hired on.

00:01:56: And that's good for them.

00:01:57: And it's good for us.

00:02:00: Next.

00:02:01: For over two decades, Ivonek's Mobile Alabama site has been a key supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile, which provides a home away from home for families with children receiving medical care.

00:02:13: This enduring partnership was recently celebrated with the dedication of a sponsored room at the Ronald McDonald House in Mobile.

00:02:20: Ivonek's support has grown over the years through employee-driven initiatives.

00:02:24: In two thousand twelve, employees helped create a computer lab to keep families connected.

00:02:28: In two thousand sixteen, they built a happy wheels cart to bring joy to pediatric patients.

00:02:34: And in two thousand nineteen, the site donated new dining room furniture to create a more welcoming space for families.

00:02:40: These efforts are often close to people's hearts in Mobile as Richard Douglas, who is liaison between the site and Mobile's Ronald McDonald House, explains.

00:02:49: Ronald McDonald House does ask for a small donation from a family staying there.

00:02:53: So what we did is we just covered that cost for the entire year.

00:02:56: Most recently, we had an employee whose child is undergoing some pretty major heart surgeries.

00:03:02: And they saw her name on the one in Mobile in Birmingham.

00:03:04: And the family was able to recognize, hey, that's where my dad works.

00:03:07: The biggest thing is that this is personal to us.

00:03:09: We've also cooked dinners for the house here in Mobile.

00:03:13: Wilson Meals of the Ronald McDonald House once a week just to feed the family there.

00:03:16: It's just small things we do throughout the year to make sure that house is taken care of and that the families there are supported.

00:03:22: It means a lot to be able to say, I helped with that.

00:03:25: I did that.

00:03:26: Through Ivonic, I was empowered to do that.

00:03:30: Lastly, February marks Black History Month, and this year's theme, A Century of Black History Commemorations, celebrates one hundred years of honoring Black excellence.

00:03:39: at Ivonic, the Blacks United in Leadership and Development, or BUILD, Employee Resource Group, plays a pivotal role in fostering awareness, connection, and growth during Black History Month and throughout the year.

00:03:50: The group celebrates African-American culture, empowers employees, and addresses challenges faced by black professionals.

00:03:57: Signature events such as the upcoming Black History Month Bar Camp provide an interactive space for colleagues to learn, share, and engage in meaningful conversations.

00:04:06: Build is one of six employee resource groups at Avonok.

00:04:09: In twenty twenty-five, these groups organize impactful initiatives, including leadership workshops and STEM outreach programs empowering women.

00:04:16: Cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year and Diwali, Pride Month activities promoting inclusivity and professional development opportunities for early career professionals.

00:04:26: Veterans are also honored through Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies to recognize their service.

00:04:30: Bill achieved significant milestones as well last year, as Rachel Young, the chair of the organization, explains.

00:04:37: In twenty

00:04:37: twenty five, we expanded Bill's reach with new chapters in Hopewell and Richmond and hosted multiple cultural celebrations across the region.

00:04:46: Build is about nurturing professional development and creating a space where black employees feel sane, supported, and celebrated as they grow into the next generation of leaders.

00:04:58: I am proud of what we've accomplished and excited for what's ahead.

00:05:04: And that's the news.

00:05:06: I'm Adam Brenner.

00:05:07: Thank you for spending some time with us today on The Ivonic Minute.