The Nokian Tyres Inc. team in Dayton, Tenn. is offering a mentorship program, as top performers help train new employees.
More than 80 mentors have been nominated to train their new colleagues. They encourage and also serve as a resource throughout the months-long training program. Along the way, mentors develop their leadership skills.
“We want to retain and recognize people who stand out,” says Nokian Production Trainer Collin Beam. “New employees feel there’s a vested interest in their success by having the best possible training experience. Our mentors are the best trainers – they’re above average in quality, safety and attitude.”
One mentor is installed at each production area during every shift, and they help trainees acclimate to the production process.
“It’s rewarding to see positive outcomes as employees become mentors, excel and grow as the company is growing,” says Production Trainer Kevin Browning. “A bunch of opportunities open up for mentors to advance their careers.
“At orientation we have a questionnaire that calibrates the learning style of the new employee. When we take that folder to the mentors, they have an understanding of how to set the employee up for success. The new employees really appreciate that.”
Browning and Beam agree that the factory’s culture sets it apart from other workplaces, and also drives production.
“From the top down, this place cares about its employees,” said Browning. “You can talk to the plant manager just as freely as you can with your co-worker. There’s not an ‘us’ and ‘them’ like you often hear in manufacturing. Sustaining that culture is the key.”
“Everything here is so positive,” Beam said. “We started out with 50 people, and we were very close. Keeping that same culture alive today with the amount of people in the plant now is truly amazing.”
