“Building Quality Associates Through A Unique Learning Environment”
This is the mission statement of the newly established Transmission DOJO at JASPER’s Crawford County facility. Although it’s been operational for over a year, the DOJO has undergone a facelift to better serve our customers, and our Associates.
Just what is a DOJO? Good question! The DOJO is an off-line learning center designed to provide new and existing Associates the opportunity to learn not only about their job, but also the skills necessary to STRIVE and THRIVE in the JASPER culture. In addition, the DOJO is used for specialized quality training, as well as re-certification training. Led by Master Instructor, Lauralee Peppers, Associates are able to learn a process in a one-on-one environment, away from the distractions of the production area. Associates follow a standard curriculum. Because the training is one-on-one, JASPER can provide a specialized learning experience specific to individual’s needs.
During the first two weeks, Associates will learn:
- Disassembly, Sub-Assembly and Final Assembly
- Basic Transmission 101
- Safety Requirements/JSA
- All parts for the specific transmission by name and function
- All tools to perform the job by name and function
- History and Culture of Jasper Engines and Transmissions
- Quality Objectives
- Tour of department and product flow
- Job Instruction Training
- Basic elements of the Jasper Production System (JPS), including:
- - Philosophy
- - 5S
- - Standard Work
- - 8 Wastes
- - Problem Solving/A3
- Continuous Improvement Program
- All computer functions
- And much, much more
As in any classroom, Associates are also given homework, pop quizzes and go on in-house field trips to better enhance the learning experience. In the Associates’ third week, they focus on the specific job for which they were hired. They also work toward meeting cycle times. In addition, some Associates are moved to a transmission POD, within the production area, to give them more of a “real life” experience. Throughout the DOJO experience, Associates are encouraged not only to Do It Right, but to Have Fun, as well. This is evidenced by the requirements for graduation from the DOJO.
Before moving onto a full-time role, Associates will be expected to accomplish the following:
- Must be able to repeatedly perform the process, based on the standard work
- Must be able to train another Associate on the process
- Must pass a written general knowledge, parts and standard work test
- Must complete a book review on “Joe’s Garage”
- Must complete a technical research question
- Must complete a JPS skills check-off list and display application of learning
- Must submit a minimum of two (2) Continuous Improvement ideas
Once an Associate completes these steps, they can proudly say, “I Got My MOJO at the DOJO.”
