Workforce Development
New Companies Worker Recruitment in 2008 and 2009
Katana-Summit
Katana Summit Wind Tower Fabrication – 2,000 Applicants for 200 Jobs
Katana Summit opened in June of 2008. They are very pleased with the quality and quantity of applicants. Katana-Summit now employs approximately 150 employees. The skilled workforce in welding and metal fabrication was a major reason why Katana-Summit chose Columbus, Nebraska.
Apogee Retail Outbound Call Center – 1,500 Applicants for 200 Jobs
Apogee Retail opened in September of 2008. They are very pleased with the workforce they have found in Columbus. Apogee Retail now employs over 500 employees in their 400 station call center. They are very comfortable knowing they have the capability to expand to 600 employees in 2010.
Reasons Why Worker Recruitment and Training is Our Strength
Columbus Area Workforce Development Office
The Nebraska Workforce Development Office in Columbus can assist with the development and placement of advertisements. They can search their database files for qualified applicants, both within and outside the State of Nebraska. Company applications can be distributed and collected. Facilities are also available for the display of introductory information and company materials. Applications are screened based on criteria provided by the company.
ADM Employees
Drive4Five Worker Recruitment Program
The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce spearheads a worker recruitment program to bring people to the Columbus area. As industrial skill sets are needed by industry, the Drive4Five program actively recruits at technical colleges and other communities in Nebraska and neighboring states. Several hundred people have chosen to make the Columbus area their home. In the last three years, families have moved from South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Michigan, among other states. For more information on the Drive4Five program, please contact Ms. Bernie Hansen, Drive4Five Coordinator at 402-564-2769.
Central Community College - Business and Industry Training Center
Central Community College Columbus Campus (CCC) is a primary source of training and education for business and industry. Training services include:
- Technical skills to include mechatronics, industrial maintenance, welding, CNC machining and electricity.
- Supervisory skills, on-the-job/on-site training and customized company-specific training.
- CD-ROM library and Internet/satellite delivery
- Traditional college programs with two-year degrees offered on campus.
Training classes are available at on-and off-campus sites. The classes are conducted by experienced trainers who have the knowledge and expertise needed for area businesses and their employees. College staffs develop and coordinate specially tailored short courses, workshops, and seminars to meet specific training needs.
For further assistance on workforce availability and recruitment, please contact Ms. Bonnie McPhillips of the Nebraska Development of Labor Office.
Bonnie McPhillips, Manager
Nebraska Department of Labor
3020 18th St., Suite 1
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-7160
Nebraska Job Training Program
(402) 563-2707
