AKG of America Receives Two-Year Training Grant

AKG is a leading manufacturer of robust and efficient cooling solutions. 

AKG of America has started off the year with a two-year training grant offered by the state of North Carolina. The idea originally begun during discussions with the local governments when AKG started planning the new North American Research and Development Center. The process of turning the training into a reality was done between AKG and Durham Technical Community College to ensure that training sponsored fits the guidelines agreed upon. 

The training will include: White Belt Lean and Six Sigma; Communication, Team Building; Coaching and Leadership; Microsoft Office; On the Job Training & Train the Trainer; PLC & Electronics Troubleshooting; APICS CPIM; Customer Service best practices. All of these opportunities will provide growth opportunities for the company and its employees. By investing in AKG, this allows for a more competitive environment in North Carolina when recruiting other employers to the state. 

The first classes started November 2017 and the training will run through July 2019. AKG’s drive is to create a learning culture within the company and create an overall focus on improving the skillsets both in the company and in the community. All employees will participate in selected, base level training. Those most interested will have the opportunity to participate in multiple programs. AKG’s future success is tied closely to continually improving skills in multiple areas. The training programs on which AKG is focused, provides a base for this. 

Ron Prichard, AKG North America Vice President states, “The best path to a more effective company is to have more effective people and this is the focus of our training initiatives.” 

Along with Doug Aitkin of Durham Tech, Prichard helped build the program and worked to secure the state funding. Aitkin and Prichard now work closely together to coordinate the training activities.