Client: Degussa Carbon Engineered Products Division -

In 2006, representatives from both Washington State Workforce Development group and the Industrial Technology Academic staff met to discuss the Chemical Operator program with Donnie Loubiere, Plant Manager at Degussa's Engineered Carbon plant in Belpre, Ohio.  The conversation focused on the value of upgrading both the technical skills and the critical thinking skills of their operators to deal with the new state-of-the-art equipment and processing methods being implemented at the site, and the decision-making and communication skills.

The success of the initial meeting prompted another presentation to Degussa’s corporate human resources, systems, and cost management representatives.  Approval was granted to proceed with the program.  The next step was a presentation to the entire management team at the Belpre plant on the merits of the Chemical Operator training program.  An employee incentive program was developed and approved which encouraged and rewarded the plant employees to participate in the program.

Operators from the Belpre facility began registering to take the introductory course for the Online Chemical Operator program at Washington State – INDT 101.  The 4-credit hour course consisted of modules covering basic mechanical systems, fundamental safety, health, and environmental issues, basic math and science concepts, and the computer and Internet skills necessary to learn online.  The upfront in the introductory course addressed the computer and basic skills issues before delving into the technical aspects of the training.  Through preliminary exercises and help desk support, the students quickly learned to navigate online through the course and interact effectively with their fellow classmates and the instructor.

The Success of the training at the Belpre site quickly led to operator participation in the online program at other Degussa facilities – 2 plant sites in Texas and one in Louisiana.  The online delivery process allowed operators at these sites access to the same courses and instruction offered at the Belpre, Ohio facility.

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