DENSO announced a collaboration with Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS) to support the school district’s Adult Education Program, which includes certification for a general education diploma (GED).
The cooperation is part of DENSO’s efforts to provide impactful education opportunities to employees at its Battle Creek, Michigan, facility and follows the company’s recent opening of its Technical Training Center at the site, the company noted.
Since BCPS-led programming began in March, nearly two dozen temporary DENSO employees have attended twice-weekly classes at DENSO’s Battle Creek campus. Last week, three DENSO temporary employees graduated from the program with GEDs and were recognized alongside other graduates in a ceremony at the Miller Stone building in Battle Creek. Once temporary DENSO employees earn their GEDs, they become eligible for full-time employment opportunities as positions become available.
“Education and continuous improvement are core to what we do at DENSO, so partnering with Battle Creek Public Schools to offer GED assistance to our temporary employees was a natural fit,” said Kevin Carson, president of DENSO’s thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek. “Through the Adult Education Program, Battle Creek Public Schools is doing vital work ensuring our neighbors and community members are skilled, regardless of age. We are proud to support and advance that mission.”
Of the Battle Creek facility’s more than 3,000 employees, approximately 300 work in temporary capacities through employment agencies. Temporary DENSO employees are eligible for full-time employment after 90 days of good performance, but applicants must hold a GED to be considered – a barrier to some who would otherwise qualify for a full-time position. Now, DENSO’s temporary employees can attend onsite classes, study at their own pace and receive assistance with GED testing sign-up after finishing their courses.
One former temporary DENSO employee, Mahala Worthington, recently completed the Adult Education Program and was hired in as an associate I in heater-core manufacturing.
“It’s been my goal to finish my GED, so I was really excited when DENSO announced the onsite program,” said Worthington. “The instructors were so encouraging and helped me every step of the way. Becoming a full-time associate means I have health, retirement and other DENSO benefits, in addition to higher pay, so I’m thankful to have had this opportunity to reach my goal.”
Nicole Brown, DENSO’s talent acquisition section leader, attended the celebration to show the company’s support for the employees and celebrate their achievements. To learn more about fulfilling and rewarding career opportunities at DENSO, go to densocareers.com. For more information on BCPS’s Adult Education program, visit www.battlecreekpublicschools.org/adulted/.
