By Paige Harden and Chrissy Alspaugh, The
Republic
editorial@therepublic.com
Cummins Inc. is still working on details for the hundreds
of jobs it will create in Columbus.
"We have a plan, but it's still
early," said Susan Hanafee, Cummins spokeswoman.
She said within the
next year Cummins will begin staffing product development, mechanical
engineering and purchasing positions, mostly from within the company.
She said about 60 employees already are working on the light-duty diesel
engines that the company will build in Plant 1. That number likely will double
when fully staffed, Hanafee said.
DaimlerChrysler will use the product in
light trucks and sport utility vehicles, and Cummins also plans to make the
engine available for marine and military applications.
The 600 to 800
remaining positions will be filled starting in 2008, Hanafee said, made up of
some technical but mostly production workers including machine operators,
assemblers and product quality specialists.
Hanafee said Cummins is looking for employees with:
An interest in manufacturing.
Mechanical aptitude.
Basic math skills.
Communication skills.
An ability to read and follow instructions.
"This is pretty
sophisticated equipment," Hanafee said. "But, of course, we will have on-site
training."
Schools ready to train
Ivy Tech Community College is waiting
for the green light to begin helping Cummins train its new work force.
"We're ready at a moment's notice," said Randy Proffitt, executive
director of marketing and communication.
Proffitt said the need for any
additional faculty will depend on the type of training Cummins
requests.
Ivy Tech also will begin implementing its "Dream it Do it"
advanced manufacturing recruiting campaign by the end of the year.
The
partnership will focus on actively recruiting students to consider the benefits
of careers in manufacturing and providing students with the training necessary
for success in today's manufacturing industry.
Ivy Tech will partner with
C4 Columbus Area Career Connection in seminars and informational fairs to
spread the word about manufacturing.
Ivy Tech has committed $200,000 to
the campaign, part of which will be used for staff to be hired
soon.
Cummins' decision to expand in Columbus likely will benefit Indiana University-Purdue University
Columbus, but officials will know for certain only after the coming
legislative session.
On behalf of educational institutions, Cummins has
lobbied state legislatures for increased financial support.
If approved,
IUPUC stands to gain about 20 new faculty members, nearly doubling its number of
teachers.
IUPUC would use the faculty to expand existing programs in
areas including education and nursing.