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Show 'Custom-fit training helps new employees I By TOM BUSSELBERG KAYSVILLE -- Upwards of 500 are receiving intensive on-hands classroom training before they punch that time card at their new job. PART OF a "custom-fit training" train-ing" program operated by the Davis Area Vocational Center, employees em-ployees are training in their jobs before firms are geared up and need their services, explains Jack Shell, DAVC director. Businesses are starting to look at Davis County as a "prime spot to expand or consider" because of the specialized training that can be tailored to their needs, Mr. Shell told the board. SOME 370 are being trained for Gourmet Foods; Lamanite Enterprises, Enter-prises, 30 and The Mesa Corp., nearly 100, all in the Freeport Center. Cen-ter. In addition, Heritage Stove has 50 being trained while others are still being negotiated. In addition, as many as 100 are receiving training through an on- the-job project. A minimum of 40 hours classroom training is provided pro-vided at the Kaysville campus augmented au-gmented by 400-500 OJT hours at the work site, he said, noting it targets small businesses throughout through-out the county. THE CENTER continues to serve ever-greater numbers, Asst. Director Larry Brice indicated, with 850 day-time and 135 in extended-day programs. Calling that an all-time high, Mr. Shell said "I think we'll approach close to 3,000 students this (school) year if all goes well." High school enrollment has climbed by about one-fifth while adult is "holding its own," he said. The center, while serving both groups, emphasizes training for junior and seniors in high school. "NIGHT school (extended day) is close to 40 percent higher" in enrollment, largely due to an expanded ex-panded class schedule, the board was told. Sandi Kimmell, coordinator of that program, said classes in tax preparation for individuals and real estate certification are on the docket. dock-et. In addition, it's hoped a life insurance in-surance certification course will soon be available with others being studied based on surveys and contact con-tact with area businesses. AS PART of the center's growth, new staff will be requested from the legislature including: two new electronics instructors, a drafting teacher, two counselors and three building maintenance personnel. While vocational centers in Logan and Ogden are posting gains as is Davis, Mr. Shell said the "greatest potential" exists for DAVC thanks to Davis County's continued heavy growth. THE BOARD will consider administrative goals for the coming year in special sessions Oct. 22 and 29, it was also decided. Other business busi-ness to come before the board soon will be an "action" plan for overall development and response to the recently-released accreditation report re-port that was "very complimentary" complimen-tary" overall. |