A trusted community partner, Middlesex Community College is collaborating with Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions in Wilmington on a Workforce Training Fund Program. Run through MCC’s Corporate & Community Education & Training division, the college worked with Watson-Marlow to write and submit the grant, as well as to offer employee trainings.
“The Workforce Training Fund Program provides resources to Mass. businesses to fund training for current and newly hired employees,” said Katy Gentile, MCC’s Director of Corporate & Community Education & Training. “Watson-Marlow will run 14 classes over the grant period delivered by MCC instructors. We’re excited to continue our partnership to equip their employees with industry-relevant knowledge and skills that will help them advance in their careers.”
Founded in 1959, Watson-Marlow supplies fluid management systems, such as pumps, tubing, hoses, fittings and connectors, according to Larry Gaskell, Quality & Regulatory Manager at Watson-Marlow. MCC offers the company classes focused on topics that include customer service, communications, computer skills, team building, time management and leadership.
“One stop shopping, MCC has all of the courses that you need,” Gaskell said. “They will tailor them to your business and work with you to see to it that the training is effective. It is very affordable and MCC does online trainings if you need it. That allows all of the sales and field employees to participate.”
“Watson-Marlow will run 14 classes over the grant period delivered by MCC instructors. We’re excited to continue our partnership to equip their employees with industry-relevant knowledge and skills that will help them advance in their careers.” - Katy Gentile, MCC’s Director of Corporate & Community Education & Training.
Mark Stevens, Manager of Customer Service Manager, took the Exceptional Customer Service, Email Etiquette, Effective Communication, and Excel III courses. While many of the skills covered in the classes are “practical and timeless,” Stevens believes the reminders are helpful.
“Having the focus on bringing yourself back into alignment and ensuring you follow techniques is important,” Stevens said. “Namely, in this age of social media and texting, generating effective emails and ensuring you direct the attention to specifics is essential and brief as possible.”
Also a Customer Service Manager at Watson-Marlow, Holly Friend participated in MCC’s Excel training courses. Wanting to take the classes to get a refresher on skills, Friend found the instructor to be patient and engaging.
“I thought the experience was beneficial,” Friend said. “Excel is a very powerful tool, and if you know how to use it correctly, it can help make your life easier.
A manager at Watson-Marlow’s Pennsylvania site, Richard Gastner took Excel II, Email Etiquette, and Effective Communications. Wanting to take advantage of the professional development opportunities, Gastner enjoyed learning new skills.
“As we grow in the business and move up the ranks, we need to be more polished and professional in all aspects of our dealings with company people as well as clients,” Gastner said. “Barb is an asset to the college and is doing a great job – I look forward to our next class!”