WED Hobby Lobby photo

Strengthening the Workforce Through Customized Training

“The results we’re getting from the training – the confidence levels, the repairs being done properly, and the communication – are well worth it.” – Jay Sears, Industrial Operations Manager for Hobby Lobby

The Workforce and Economic Development team at Francis Tuttle Technology Center collaborates with local businesses to develop customized training that meets their needs. One longstanding relationship is with Hobby Lobby, whose corporate office is located in Oklahoma City.  

Francis Tuttle and Hobby Lobby have partnered on training opportunities for almost 10 years, offering sessions on equipment repair, safety, and more. About two and a half years ago, the organizations collaborated to create the specialized Industrial Maintenance Technician (IMT) Training. Since then, more than 100 Hobby Lobby technicians have completed the training. 

“Francis Tuttle has helped tailor a specific training for us about basic maintenance principles,” said Jay Sears, Industrial Operations Manager for Hobby Lobby. “It’s designed to help all of our technicians understand the topics and intricacies of the things behind the pieces of equipment they maintain.” 

The IMT Training is a four-week program that provides electrical and hydraulic training for people working in Hobby Lobby’s distribution maintenance department. This department operates and maintains the rolling power equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and robots. It also oversees the conveyor systems and industrial equipment in the warehouses.

The curriculum is split into two courses, with each one lasting four hours a day for two weeks. The employees learn about everything from tools to electrical schematics to different kinds of mechanical devices like gears, pulleys, belts, and chains. 

“The technicians come out of the class and give us very good feedback that they learned a lot,” Sears shared. “They understand a little bit more about why they do something instead of just doing something, which gives them a lot more confidence in the repairs, and we see that the repairs are getting done more effectively.”

In addition to technical training, the customized program helps employees improve their communication within Hobby Lobby. 

“A big portion of the training and what it brings for us is the fact that our people can communicate a little bit easier,” Sears explained. “They’re using the same terms and technical data, and communication speeds things up and makes things a lot less complicated.” 

Rick Ward is the trainer for the IMT Training classes. Ward used to work as an electrical engineer and an electrical maintenance manager, and he now facilitates training for businesses throughout the state. Sears said his background and practical knowledge from working in the field resonates with the employees. 

“He’s been very effective in his ability to talk to somebody who doesn’t know much about electricity versus somebody who already knows how to draw their own schematics,” Sears said. “It’s a very unique environment, and he does an excellent job.”

by Chelsey Koppari - June 20, 2024