Gov. Voinovich Presents First National Certificates to Norton Employees
July 14, 1996, article two

PIX#1 - Gov. Voinovich graciously presents Gregg White one of the first eight certificates

Earned by Norton employees.

“I’m convinced that skills standards will help lead the way toward Ohio’s continued competitiveness.” - Gov. George Voinovich.

The importance of job skills to a competitive Buckeye State economy brought Ohio Governor George Voinovich to Fostoria for the second time in two weeks.

This time the governor visited Norton Mfg. To present the nation’s first metalworking skill standards certifications to eight of Norton’s machinists at a 3 p.m. ceremony Wednesday July 10 at Norton.

The first eight recipients of the national skill standards certificates are: Darrell Adams, Darl Cessna, Darl Halstead, Phil Hahn, Loretta Mullins, Ryan Westenbarger, Gregg White and Juan Zamudio

Gov. Voinovich stated, “I’ve been looking forward a long time to coming here so that I could see the first class to be certified to have met the national skills standards for the metal working trade. The first workers in America--the first workers in the United States of America— to be certified in national metalworking skills are right here in the great state of Ohio. I’m proud of that.”

According to the Governor’s Office, national skill standards are voluntary, industry-based guidelines developed to assess an employee’s technical skills while creating high-performance workplaces. Employers can invest in their employees by providing technical training that includes assessment, classroom training, hands-on application and certification.

Bob Sherman represented the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), a nonprofit organization created by a grant from the U.S. Dept. Of Education and the Dept. Of Labor to develop the standards and to test and credential workers. The credential is portable. A worker can go to any employer in the nation with proof of skills.

National skill standards define competence for workers in the metalworking industry by describing the common duties, knowledge, skills and abilities needed to do the work well. NIMS skill standards cover 22 separate skills in the areas of machining, metalforming, machine tool building and maintenance, and tool and die and moldmaking.

According to Len Proper, director of Workforce Development for the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services (OBES), “On a national level we have standards being developed for 22 different industries that cut across manufacturing, service sector, hospitality and retail trade. Right now we are focusing primarily on manufacturing standards because manufacturing jobs are higher skill, higher wage jobs, but we have them in advanced manufacturing, computer assisted design and hazardous materials management. Metalworking is actually a very broad range and it’s where we’re doing the most work right now. We have projects here in the Mansfield area, Cleveland, Springfield and we’re about to kick off a new project in the Archibold area.”

Norton worked in cooperation with OBES, the Oho Dept. Of Development, Terra Community College and Vanguard Sentinel Joint Vocational School to put the skill standards into practice and train the workers.

Norton Mfg. Co. produces top-quality crankshafts for engines, pumps and compressors. Norton has three facilities here in Fostoria and employs over 350 workers, up from less than 60 in 1981.

Rick Norton, president of Norton Mfg. said, “If I had to say one thing about our governor it is that he’s tenacious. When he decides he’s for a project and he understands it and it’s worthwhile, he doesn’t give up.

It’s been evident from the beginning of this project that this type of project is important to this governor, that helping the people of this state become better educated, better trained employees is very, very high on his priority list.”

Mr. Norton said that a proficient workforce was a major concern for his company.

“We recognized the need to train our people and to upgrade our skill levels.”

This emphasis on skills improvement is not new. Norton has been active in apprenticeship training for toolmakers and electricians for 45 years.

“When we look at our employee list, we find that our most loyal and best employees are the people who have grown up with us,” said Mr. Norton. “They came to us out of high school and college. We helped train and educate them and improve their skill levels. They appreciate that. They are very loyal and they stay with you. You prosper and they prosper and it’s a very good relationship.”

Gregg White, a 15 year Norton employee told us, “They wanted people like me because I had 15 years experience. We were in class for 3 ½ weeks for an 1 ½ a day.” Gregg sets up and programs the machines at Norton.

Phil Hahn joined Norton about a year ago after leaving the military.

“What got me interested in the national skill standards was the opportunity to get in on the ground level. Plus the credentials help you out in the long run so you have better marketing opportunities for yourself. The company is very good about putting money back into their people. I’ve gotten a lot of training and schooling over the last year.”

Phil has also earned certificates in areas like machine scraping and laser alignment programs.

Gov. Voinovich went on to say that, “Without question though, our most precious resource is the education and skill level of our workforce, our great family values and our work ethic in this state. But having led seven overseas business missions, I must say that the competition is gaining on us. Or at least they’re trying to.

“They want what we have. I’ve seen it in the emerging countries of Southeast Asia, the new republics of central and Eastern Europe and the rapidly developing nation of India. For Ohio and America to maintain our competitive edge, we must develop a highly skilled and flexible workforce capable of adapting to new technologies and industries of the next century.”

The Governor also took the opportunity to again stress the importance of good education and computer literacy for the state’s youngsters and to credit the contribution Ohio’s two-year colleges make to the state’s economic vitality.

It was a pleasure to have George Voinovich back in Fostoria so soon. He told his audience how much he enjoyed his June 26 visit to Mennel Milling and Seneca Millwork.

“Now I’m back in two weeks. I know for sure that this is going to be a recod that will never be broken! I wanted to make sure I got it in the books,” he said to a round of good-natured laughter.

Gov. Voinovich’s presence is evidence of the importance he lays on the manufacturing segment of Ohio’s economy, so crucial to our economy here in Fostoria.

It speaks well for Fostoria that eight of our fellow residents are the first metalworkers in Maerica to earn this certification. Everyone involved, from Gov. Voinovich to the workers themselves to the management and employees of Norton Mfg. To the state and federal agencies to the educational institutions deserve credit for a job well done.

Some might believe that the future of American business is downsizing and stagnation. That might be true, but only if we let it be.

The achievement of Norton and its employees points the way to a different future, one of vibrant growth, competitive excellence and expanding opportunity.

If enough of us are willing to do what it takes, that can be the future that lies within our grasp.