OCR Text |
Show October 25, 2007 Efficiency efforts motivate many to learn more Leadership partnership sends Hill members to WSU Davis BY TOM BUSSELBERG Standard-Examiner Davis Bureau tbusselberg@standard.net L AYTON — A lot Of people at Hill Air Force Base are taking the need to be more efficient and lean in these tough times seriously. An indication of that is the number of military and civilian employees spending serious amounts of time in classes at nearby Weber State University. Hundreds are making the trek, some for many weeks at a time, to the point the university's Training & Learning Center on Gordon Avenue, here, is virtually a Hill AFB "hangout," educationally. "It's a continuous, dynamic partnership to meet a lot of training needs," said Greg Richins, director of Workforce Education and External Partnerships with the university. Among training programs is purchasing and supply case management, which involves a lot of logisticians, both civil and military, said Kathy Rivera, program manager. 'The partnership is two years old and occupies three (WSU) classrooms from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday in a seven-week program," she said. "They leave their jobs in a total immersion. There are about 22 modules on purchasing management." There were four graduating classes the first year and five the second year, with 69 enrolled in the current group, she said. 'There are many opportunities for participants to earn WSU credit, up to nine credit hours" in that program, and 11 credits in another, Richins said. "They can apply it to a degree if they want to continue. "This is a way they can expand their work-related knowledge, get better at what they do," in a broader view, he said. It's anticipated that upwards of 1,800 Hill AFB-related Student Jason Sphar listens during a lecture at Weber State University Davis Campus on Oct. 22. The leadership training class is available to select Hill Air Force Base civilian employees. MATTHEW HATFIELD StandardExaminer civilian and military employees will be trained within the next several years, Rivera said. BearingPoint, a private contractor working throughout the country, is partnering with WSU and Hill AFB, she said. For example, similar programs are in operation at WarnerRobins and Tinker Air Force Bases. "This effort is continually growing, as a way to providing the latest techniques and theories," Richins said. "It's all a part of the base's goal of efficiency. They want to become lean. It's one tool to move forward." "It's a way to really transform the Air Force into the 21st century," Rivera said. For example, last school year, 250 military members attended evening classes, up by 100 from the previous year, said WSU department chairman Laird Hartman. Hundreds more are enrolled in other Hill AFB-based programs. "We're very impressed with Hill's commitment to that end. Hill is a leader in innovation in training and development opportunities," Richins said. "They try to educate their Instructor Tim Border teaches a class at Weber State University Davis Campus on Oct. 22. people, give them the tools they need. "A part of that philosophy is that a lot of supervisors are getting close to retirement. They want to prepare the next generation of supervisors, give existing sponsors a cadre of those who want to volunteer in the program, potentially get a supervisor's position. That's why there's a lot of emphasis. It's very comprehensive," he said. Training extends to some on-base programs, as well, and covers many subject areas, Rivera said. For example, the afternoon classes at the main Davis WSU campus include English and introduction to writing, principles of supervision, a teams course, as well as project management. "Specific customized programs" are also created by WSU in response to Hill AFB requested need, Richins said. Those can be computer-related, such as with production and inventory, to "soft skills," including communications and customer services. Support for the education effort has been demonstrated from the highest echelons of both Hill AFB and WSU, from commanders on down, Richins said. "Weber has had a great working relationship with the base," he said. That sentiment was echoed by Bruce Davis, director of the Davis campus. Scare up some fun for Halloween The Youth Center sends volunteer cry out-for helpful ghosts, ghouls 3 nights of Haunted House at Youth Center • To dress as ghouls and goblins and work the Haunted House on Oct. 25, Oct. 26, Oct. 27. The Youth Center has ,, costumes/masks. • The majority of volunteers will be needed on Friday and Saturday evenings. • Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. • If you are interested, contact Jacky.Bower@hill.af.mil or Alvin.Ulsh@hill.af.mil or call 777-2419 outh Center sponsored events include: • Oct 25, Ghost Busters Haunted House: From 6 to 9 p.m., the ghosts and ghouls have met their match! Participants can shoot them using laser tag guns and special ghost buster gear, but, be careful, the ghosts and ghouls will shoot back! Cost is $5 per session. • Oct 26, Ghost Busters Haunted House and Very Scary Haunted House: From 6 to 8 p.m., the ghosts and ghouls have met their match! Participants can shoot them using laser tag guns and special ghost buster gear, but, be careful, the ghosts and ghouls will shoot back! From 8:30 to 11 p.m., the Very Scary Haunted House is open — not for the faint of heart. Cost is $5 per visit. • Oct. 27, Very Scary Haunted Y House: Visit this Haunted House from 7 to 11 p.m. and see what happens when the ghosts and ghouls take over the Youth Center. This Haunted House is not for the faint of heart. Cost is $5 per visit. For more information, call Tickets & Travel at 777-3525. More frightful entertainment Other area Halloween-related activities: • Lagoon FRIGHTMARES: Tickets are on sale at ITT for $25.50 each (gate price is $27.95 plus tax). FRIGHTMARES is open for one last weekend. • Take Your kids to Boo At The Zoo, Oct 27. This is one of the biggest events at Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City. There's a casting call for all princesses, cowboys, superheros, and tigers! Children ages 12 and under can wear their Halloween costume and trick or treat at various booths set up throughout the zoo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Purchase discount tickets from ITT for $7.25 per adult and $5.25 per child. • lake a Halloween-style plunge at the Indoor pool Oct. 27 during the Halloween Boo-Nanza. It's hosted by the lifeguards from 4 to 7 p.m. This activity is free! Wear your Halloween costume; no swimming during the event. Fun includes games, prizes, candy, food, fortune teller, Dr. Frankenstein Lab, haunted pool boat ride with grim reaper, pumpkin painting, and face painting. For more information call the HAFB Youth Center at 777-2419. For adults • Join the monsters at the Halloween Monster Ball, Oct. 27,7 p.m. at Club Hill. 777-3841 For adults only it will feature DJ Dougy Fresh. Cash prizes for Costume Contest — first, second, and third place winners along with ghoulish drink specials. For more information call 777-3841. Ghosting postings Oct. 25, Ghost Busters Haunted House, 6 p.m.-9 p.m Oct. 26, Ghost Busters Haunted House, 6-8 p.m., and Very Scary Haunted House, 8:30-11 p.m. Oct. 27, Very Scary Haunted House, 7-11 p.m. Get a jump on the ski season The ski resorts are anticipating opening early this year—some are projecting to be up and running by Nov. 15. . Get ready, with preseason ski and snowboard tuneups on Nov. 1-30. Cost is $20 for skis; $25 for snowboards. Services offered are stone grinding, sharpening edges, and waxing. Tuning does not include any major work other than normal tune; no P-Tex and no bindings will be mounted. The cost of additional work is determined by the technician. For more information, call 777-2225. |