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Community Outreach

We are so excited to work with some amazing NWHPEC members as we partner with the Vancouver Public Schools this week to teach Lean and 6S to the Welding and Fabrication students as we organize their lab and transform their thinking.

Here is the news release:

High school welding and fabrication students receive industry advice to improve efficiency, safety – 02/06/19

Students at Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies are learning how to improve efficiency and safety in their school’s welding and fabrication lab. Professionals from eight Pacific Northwest companies are spending a week at the school to mentor students as they learn about “lean” principles by applying “6S” practices. These practices help reduce accidents and increase quality and productivity while also building leadership, collaboration and communication skills.

Mentors include professionals from A-dec, Astronics/PECO, Blount, Glen Dimplex Americas, Silicon Forest Electronics, Smith Gardens, Kyocera and Free Hand Fab. The participating companies are all part of the Northwest High Performance Enterprise Consortium, a cross-section of Oregon and Southwest Washington businesses that share information, hold classes and provide hands-on learning experiences regarding continuous improvement. 

Lean/6S thinking is sought after by employers and can be applied in all industries, including but not limited to manufacturing, health care and food services.

The weeklong mentorship program will provide the following opportunities for media coverage:

  • Thursday, Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (Students are labeling and cleaning tools and materials.)
  • Monday, Feb. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (Students will be reporting on their progress and showing before-and-after pictures.)

As part of Vancouver Public Schools’ focus on preparing students for a variety of careers, Fort Vancouver High School has had a welding and fabrication shop for more than 20 years.

Fort Vancouver High School is located at 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver, WA 98661.