AMDev conducts first inter-company training for Model Companies

In photo: AMDev Program conducted the first inter-company training for its four model manufacturing companies on February 28, 2023, at the Amherst Laboratories in Biñan, Laguna. Photo by Aljhun Datchberll Tapalla, CISTEM.

In a massive show of collaboration and as part of the efforts to create a pipeline of highly skilled and adaptive workforce, the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance (AMDev) conducted the first inter-company training for the employees of its four model manufacturing companies on February 28, 2023, at the Amherst Laboratories in Biñan, Laguna.

The training covered two courses, Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Problem Solving. The morning session facilitated by the Unilab Pharma Academy covered SPC, and the afternoon session covered problem solving techniques facilitated by partners from the Center for Integrated STEM Education (CISTEM).

A total of forty-two (42) trainees participated from the four model companies, Amherst Laboratories and Belmont Softgel Pharma Corporation in pharmaceutical industry, and the Fastech Synergy Philippines, Inc. and Western Digital Philippines from the electronics industry.

SPC covered statistical processes needed to address production issues through the control charts that determine the specific interventions and adjustments needed to address errors and inconsistencies in a factory’s production line. Engr. Arnel Cabungcal, Unilab Pharma Academy’s subject matter expert, discussed the uses, proper selection, correct interpretation, and analysis of control charts and provided exercises to identify and analyze control chart scenarios which can reduce product defects.

In photo: Unilab Pharma Academy’s SME, Engr. Arnel Cabungcal discussing statistical process control. Photo by Aljhun Datchberll Tapalla, CISTEM. February 28, 2023.

CISTEM’s problem solving course introduced the participants to different problem solving concepts, the process of identifying workplace concerns, and the application of various problem-solving tools and techniques. Mr. Tristan Orbeta, CISTEM’s subject matter expert, discussed the problem analysis methods, risk management, and beyond-the-box thinking to identify, diagnose, and handle workplace problems such as occupational safety and health. The participants demonstrated the use of these tools through games and exercises.

In photo: CISTEM’s SME, Tristan Orbeta, facilitating the session on Problem Solving. Photo by Aljhun Datchberll Tapalla, CISTEM. February 28, 2023.

Through these courses, the trainees were equipped with the knowledge of using control charts that can improve their operational performance and help them in communicating and addressing workplace concerns more efficiently and effectively.

This inter-company training is a testament to how industry-led upskilling efforts can contribute to workforce development.

“The coming together of our model companies today under one roof is exciting as this shows their serious commitment to train and prepare students and the workforce in adopting advanced manufacturing practices. Efforts like these can greatly improve the state of education and the lives of our workers, to the benefit of our national economy.” said AMDev Chief of Party, Dr. Danilo Lachica, highlighting the impact of this collaboration.

The AMDev Alliance, through the Advanced Manufacturing Institutes, aims to train at least 300 individuals during the first year of implementation, these includes interns and graduating college students, and graduating technical-vocational students as well as operators, technicians, and engineers of manufacturing firms.

“We look forward to other industry-led efforts to help our workforce and our students demonstrate advanced manufacturing.” said Dr. Lachica.

AMDev is a five-year USAID program implemented by the Unilab Foundation in partnership with model manufacturing companies, higher education institutions, research institutions, specialized non-profit organizations, and government agencies.