Pella Team Members Graduate in First Class of Industrial Electrical Maintenance Students
It’s no small feat to juggle full-time work while pursuing education, but seven Pella team members rose to the challenge. This month they became graduates of the first Industrial Electrical Maintenance (IEM) program in Pella, Iowa.
“As someone who continually seeks opportunities to broaden my skills, I saw the IEM program as the perfect chance to enhance my future. The technical skills I have gained have already been beneficial, and I’m hopeful that they will allow me to advance in my career,” said Bobbi Nichols, Pella team member and IEM graduate. “I am a firm believer that no matter where you are, it’s never too late to step out of your comfort zone and learn something new.”
The IEM program was brought to the Pella community through a collaboration between Des Moines Community College (DMACC), the Career Academy of Pella, WorkSMART Connector, and participating Pella area businesses. The program was part-time over the course of six months. In order to receive the IEM certificate students complete 144 hours of training in Principles of Electricity, Motor Controls, and Programmable Controllers (PLCs).
“The skills learned in these courses are instrumental and critical for today’s industrial environment and our technology needs. These skills (industrial maintenance skills) often take many years to learn and develop, so we must start now to be set up for success as Pella Corporation expands and grows,” said Breonna Rogers, Pella Technical Trades Talent Development Specialist.
The instructor of the IEM program is also a Pella team member. Jerry Pitt, Engineering Support Technician at Pella’s lumber plant, was recruited to teach the program because of his knowledge and 40 years of experience in the industry.
“It’s been a great opportunity to be a part of this program,” said George Grimm, Pella team member and IEM graduate. “Jerry is an insightful, influential teacher and I hope he gets to pass on his knowledge to more students in the future.”
Congratulations to the below Pella Corporation Team members:
- George Grimm, CI Tech, Logistics
- Jeremy Hackett, CI Tech, MES
- Harley (Morgan) Howe, Maintenance Technician, Lumber
- Mathew Hynick, Operator II, Logistics
- Bobbi Nichols, Scheduling Specialist, MES
- Daryl Vander Molen, Paint Specialist, Lumber
- Jacob Whaley, Machine Builder, MES
If you are interested in learning more about the IEM program, contact Breonna Rogers at rogersb@pella.com.