Training

Facilities Services Training Center

After months of anticipation the construction for the Facilities Services Training Center is almost complete. March 1, 2013 is our expected occupancy date and we are looking forward to moving into our new space. The outside glass storefront has been installed. The floors are being finished, the carpet installed and final paint is going on the walls. So, the finish work on the building is taking place and every day we see improvements.

Many different departments in Facilities Services have contributed to the creation of the Training Center. The carpentry shop built the conference table top and lecterns from reclaimed elm. The elm tree stood on the southeast side of Gerberding Hall before it was taken down by the grounds crew in August 2010 as part of the Dutch Elm disease eradication program on campus. The metal shop has built the base for the conference table. The grounds crew will be doing the landscaping in front of the Plant Services Building. All of the departments and others involved have done a great job of working to make the Training Center a centerpiece of Facilities Services.

The road work in front of the Training Center was completed last week, and the road in front of Plant Services Building was re-opened. The traffic pattern has been modified, so please note the road in front of the Training Center has been reduced to one-way only, running south to north.

As a gesture of appreciation to all employees in the Plant Services Building, we are planning to brighten up the building exterior on the 25th Avenue side will look fresh and bright with pressure washing and other enhancements. These are exciting times and represent a new direction for our organization. The dream is becoming a reality, and we will keep you posted with updates and photos.

Here are a few preliminary pictures of the Training Center:

Facilities Services Training Academy

The way we do work at Facilities Services has changed dramatically in the past several years. The combination of reduced state budgets and the introduction of Lean principles have created an emerging work culture. This new culture requires that all levels of the organization are prepared to take on the challenges that Facilities Services will face in the future. Mary Jo Blahna, FS Training Manager, along with other members of the leadership team have been busy working to develop a curriculum to help meet the changing needs of Facilities Services.

For all FS Training Center meeting requests, please send an email to fstrain@uw.edu or call (206)-685-9452. The new Training Center box number is 354280.