GM and the main automotive industry trade union, the United Auto Workers (UAW), have opened a ‘Simulated Work Environment’ (SWE) facility to provide training to workers.
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The scheme is part of a broad program of training activities operated jointly by the UAW and GM. Training programmes include Health & Safety, Quality Network, Training, Tuition Assistance, Work/Family, Diversity and other joint programmes impacting the personal- and work-lives of UAW-GM employees.
The SWE simulates manufacturing plant processes and provides hands-on training. Participants come from UAW-represented GM locations throughout the United States. These participants go through the one-day training in what are known as “natural work groups.” For example, a plant level group of UAW and GM leaders would attend the training together in order to maximise learning opportunities.
The training directly supports the UAW-GM Quality Network and the GM Global Manufacturing System. The training is designed to improve plant quality, safety and productivity.
The 4,073 square foot SWE is designed as a closed-loop conveyor system with 16 active work stations, plus one material-delivery operator. One of the 17 team members becomes the group leader. Through expert facilitation, participants assemble a product – a wooden car. Participants learn through the team process. They follow standardised work and job element sheets, and identify team dynamics and manufacturing process problems.
