ICCTA Business/Industry Partnership Award

2002 Recipient

 

North American Lighting Company
Nominated by Kaskaskia College


Since 1995, Kaskaskia College and North American Lighting Company have worked together to improve the skills base of more than 300 NAL employees.

Two associate degrees (in industrial technology and business management) have been developed for NAL workers, with the company picking up the tuition, fees and books of those receiving grades of "C" or higher.




ICCTA past president Rich Anderson (second
from left) presents the 2002 Business/Industry Partnership Award to representatives of North American Lighting Company and Kaskaskia College.

Employees also qualify for pay incentives and promotions upon the successful completion of classes.

"There is no other business in our district that perceives the value of their employees so highly," says Kelly Bennett, Kaskaskia's director of business and industry.

In addition, Kaskaskia has provided several customized training programs at the company's base in Salem, Illinois. NAL pays Kaskaskia directly for the training, thereby eliminating an administrative burden on the employee. The program, which has led to increased productivity and pay increases for employees and has heightened interest in other Kaskaskia courses and programs, was supported by the Illinois Manufacturers Association.

A similar program has been extended to workers at NAL's Flora facility with the cooperation of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges.

For additional information on ICCTA's Business/ Industry Partnership Award, please contactKim Villanuevaat 217-528-2858, ext. 1.