Training: knowledge, shared and magnified

A knowledge-based company not only encourages, but depends upon the growth in skills and expertise of all personnel. To that end, we have created Feyen Zylstra University, a formalized program of educational and training opportunities available to all Feyen Zylstra employees.
Feyen Zylstra is committed to providing ongoing opportunities for career growth for each of its employees, for their own benefit and the benefit of our clients. Our work groups handle a wide variety of projects and the learning opportunities within these groups are endless. They include, among others, apprenticeships, technicians, management, factory maintenance, machine trouble-shooting, electrical design engineering, and controls/automation engineering.

Training Opportunities for Feyen Zylstra Employees
Feyen Zylstra employees are challenged to continue their personal growth, in order to equip themselves to take on future opportunities and added responsibilities. Some of the many ongoing opportunities available at Feyen Zylstra include:
Computer Classes - These courses are on going and can be scheduled to fit your schedule. They cover a wide variety of topics including basic keyboard functions, MS Windows Operations, as well as Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced classes in MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, MS Project and MS Access.

CPR First Aid - This class is taught on an as needed basis. Every Feyen Zylstra employee is required to have a valid CPR/First Aid card.
Lift Class - This class is taught on an as needed basis. A valid Feyen Zylstra Lift Card is required for all of those that work on Feyen Zylstra construction sites or are periodically required to utilize a lift of any type.
Powder Actuated Tool Certification - This class is taught on as needed basis by a manufacturers representative. All employees utilizing a powder-actuated tool are required to hold the proper certification.
Fall Protection Awareness - This brief overview of MIOSHA regulations is presented during the employee orientation program, and on an as needed basis. A valid Fall Protection card is required for all of those that work on Feyen Zylstra construction sites.
Confined Space Training - This class is taught on an as needed basis at Feyen Zylstra by a MIOSHA representative as well some of our internal talent as it relates our equipment. This is available to all employees that find themselves working in confined spaces.
Electrical Apprenticeship Training - This 4-year program is approved through the United States Department of Labor and is designed to supplement the training that occurs on the job everyday. Classes meet in the evenings on a weekly basis at a local community college or trade school. All electrical apprentices are required to attend.
National Electrical Code Class - Periodic code updates are conducted internally as necessary. General overviews are available on a semester basis through local universities and trade schools. This class is available to all Journeypersons. Apprentices may enroll with pre-approval.
Journeyperson Test Prep Material - A wide range of material is available to assist you in obtaining your electrical license. These range from books, videos, web based practice tests, and take home practice tests, to 2-day weekend seminars and semester long code classes. Most of this information is available to all, seminars and classes are available to those beyond their orientation period and are approved on an individual basis.
Technical Skill Courses - Courses are available at both overview and in-depth levels. Overview courses are conducted annually and are open to all. In-depth courses are designed for the high-level licensed electrician and technician. Topics for both in-depth and overview classes include Programmable Logic Controllers, Electronics, Variable Speed Drives, etc. These courses are taught at a local community college or university and handled through our tuition reimbursement program.
On-going Leadership Training - These training sessions occur on a regular basis throughout the year. Topics include customer service, conducting successful employee appraisals, successfully managing a job, etc. These classes are open to all forepersons or by invitation.
WorkSmart Workshop - This workshop is taught by the consulting firm, FMI and is conducted for all new Feyen Zylstra employees on an as needed basis. Areas such as the value of planning and how each person can affect the profitability of the job are addressed. All employees are required to attend.
Job Profits Program - This program is taught by FMI on an as needed basis for all forepersons and other leading jobs. This program will assist in running jobs smarter, getting work done faster, and motivating the work crew. Available by invitation only.
Change Order Management - This seminar is taught by FMI on an as needed basis for those responsible for or involved in the change order process. This class will assist each participant in understanding the cost of changes on the job and how to avoid losing profits on such changes. Available by invitation only.
NFPA 70e Training - Covers the full range of electrical safety issues, including safety related work practices, maintenance, special equipment requirements and installation. It focuses on protecting people and identifies requirements that are considered necessary to provide a workplace that is free of electrical hazards. OSHA bases its electrical safety mandates, found in Subpart S part 1910 and Subpart K part 1926, on the comprehensive information found in the standard. NFPA 70e is recognized as the tool that illustrates how an employer might comply with these OSHA standards. The relationship between the OSHA regulations and NFPA 70e can be described as OSHA is the “shall” and the “how.”
Miosha 10 hour - This 10-hour program presents an overview of MIOSHA regulations for the construction industry. Detailed information is presented to enable the participant to develop an accident prevention plan as required by Rule 114 of MIOSHA Construction Safety Standard Part 1, General Rules. An overview of MIOSHA inspection procedures is presented as well as the most frequently cited MIOSHA violations in the construction industry. Participants gain detailed information regarding construction and health standards relative to the industry. Students will receive a 10-hour card upon successful completion of the class.
Feyen Zylstra Tuition Assistance Program – Feyen Zylstra will assist you in funding a wide variety of learning experiences that not only result your personal growth but in the growth of the organization. These include classes taken at local trade schools and universities as well as specific professional seminars. All full-time employees are eligible.

