Home » Success Stories » Transforming Employee Training with the Going PRO Talent Fund

In the competitive landscape of manufacturing, staying ahead means not just embracing change, but driving it. For TWB Company, a leader in tailor welded products, this ethos is woven into the fabric of their culture. Since their inception in 1992, they’ve been at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive industry.

However, as TWB embarked on a new chapter of growth—venturing into the realm of laser welding technology—they recognized that their success would hinge on more than just cutting-edge equipment. It would require a skilled and adaptable workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. This realization led TWB to forge a partnership with SEMCA Michigan Works! and apply for the Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF).

With SEMCA Michigan Works! by their side, navigating the intricacies of the GPTF application process was seamless. This expertise and support were invaluable as TWB outlined training needs and articulated the impact it would have on their employees and their company. TWB was able to secure the funding necessary to propel their workforce development initiatives forward.

The impact of this collaboration was profound. Twenty of TWB’s employees were able to access training in crucial areas such as operations, management, quality control, robotics, and electrical work. These skills not only enhanced their performance on the job but also positioned them for future growth and advancement within the organization.

One such success story is that of Stephenie Lane, whose journey from frontline worker to Learning and Development Specialist proves just how transformative investing in employee development truly is. “The Front-Line Leader course gave me useful insight on my specific management style and offered a skillset on how to effectively give feedback and approach situations,” says Stephenie. “I’ve had management experience before, but it’s so important to continue learning through these GPTF funded training programs. They provide additional knowledge that will improve my quality of work and help me give better direction when dealing with people and situations.” Stephenie gained invaluable insights into leadership and management, propelling her career to new heights and enriching TWB in the process.

But Stephenie’s story is just one among many. Across their company, the impact of SEMCA Michigan Works! and the GPTF can be felt in the form of a more skilled, motivated, and agile workforce. As TWB continues to explore new technologies and processes, they do so with the confidence that their employees are not just ready for the challenges ahead, but eager to meet them head-on.

TWB continues to look for new technologies, products, and processes in the industry. These GPTF funded trainings have helped improve employee skills to assist in large projects as well as help reduce cost by on-site engineered solutions. They challenge their employees to act with purpose, urgency, and speed, lead with technology and innovation, and strive to achieve profitable, sustainable growth. Providing programs to their employees will continue to better individual performance and personal investment in their jobs.

With the support of SEMCA Michigan Works! and the GPTF, TWB’s workforce has undergone a metamorphosis, enhancing employee skills to tackle large projects and devise cost-saving solutions. Encouraging a culture of purpose, urgency, and technological leadership, TWB challenges its employees to drive innovation and sustainable growth. By investing GPTF award funding in comprehensive training programs, TWB not only boosts individual performance but also cultivates a deep sense of personal investment in each employee’s role. As they continue to explore new technologies and processes, TWB remains at the forefront of the industry, shaping the future of automotive manufacturing with every innovation.