An Important Resource for Industry:

Some of the best managed and most efficiently operated companies in the Santa Clarita Valley share a common denominator: They have discovered the benefits of partnering with College of the Canyons to help train their employees and introduce cutting edge technology and manufacturing techniques.

College of the Canyons' Employee Training Institute (ETI) and Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) have partnered with more than 200 companies in the Santa Clarita Valley to train 7,507 employees over the past 10 years. ETI, created in 1989, and CACT, launched in 1998, work closely with companies to ensure that customized training programs are set up as quickly as possible and for maximum impact. Training is available in a wide range of areas, from CNC programming and machining to office automation, and from inspection techniques to hazardous materials handling. A typical training program can be devised in a matter of weeks.

Companies That Has Benefited from College of the Canyons:

Bayless Engineering saved three hours per shift per day by training 20 employees in Lean Manufacturing when it partnered with the College. The company became more efficient by decreasing wasted time looking for items, creating a cellular manufacturing area and altering the way employees loaded work onto their machines.

Aquafine Corp. trained 20 employees in the concepts of Lean Manufacturing, and in doing so boosted its productivity. The training cut setup time in half, and improved communication and teamwork. Aquafine Corp. will soon participate in its second series of classes, which will focus on reducing waste throughout its administrative and sales areas. Other companies that have utilized ETI and CACT's training programs and resources include Kirkhill-TA Co., Pacific Metal Stamping, ITT Aerospace Controls, Bertelsmann Industries and Answer Products.

Training Centers in the Santa Clarita Valley:

Having training centers in the Valley allows the College to bring more value to partnering companies. The CACT program operates the manufacturing demonstration site at Aerospace Dynamics, where classes, customized training programs and new manufacturing technologies are showcased. In addition, both EDI and CACT maintain a large manufacturing educational area at Aquafine Corp. that will soon allow students to be trained in real world environments. A 2,000 square foot working clean room donated by 3D Systems should be up and running by late 2003, providing the ability to offer biotechnology and bioengineering training in real world conditions.

Training programs can be funded in creative ways with the help of state sponsored contracts and grants from the California College Economic Development Division. Companies can also contract directly with ETI or CACT. More information on the programs is available by calling 661-259-3874 or by visiting the College's web site at www.canyons.edu and clicking the "Directory" button, followed by clicking "Programs for the Community."