Lincoln Industries reps visit WHS campus
Students learn about career opportunities from North America's largest metal finishing company
Launch the media gallery 1 playerOn September 25, three representatives from Lincoln Industries (https://www.lincolnindustries.com) spent some time on campus sharing about their company and future opportunities with our students.
Lincoln Industries is the largest and most diverse privately held metal finishing company in North America, yet most people are unfamiliar. After several WHS staff members had the opportunity to tour the facility and experience its culture, we knew our students needed to hear more!
Not only have they had a large footprint in Lincoln since 1952, but today, Lincoln Industries is a large-scale manufacturer focused on providing solutions around technically difficult finishing for premium brands. In the past four years they have acquired three companies, and now have ten locations across the Midwest and Mexico. They truly are a company focused on growth, culture and profitability, driven by core excellence and innovation.
While on the tour, the culture and atmosphere were clearly visible from the front entrance to the manufacturing floor, to the wellness center, and throughout. The close-knit atmosphere, strong work ethic, innovative spirit and performance-driven culture are some of the many reasons that they have been recognized seven times as one of the 25 “Best Medium-Sized Companies to Work For in the US.” Lincoln Industries has developed a set of "Beliefs and Drivers" which they focus on to maintain their competitive edge and overall success. (link: https://www.lincolnindustries.com/sites/default/files/_images/content/bd_boards_-_highlighted_words_-_lr.pdf)
Corrie Buffum, Sean Heard, and Cody Schweitzer shared with our Woods and Metals students more details about the unique culture, including their wellness center, the free onsite health clinic, the annual mountain climbing trip, their focus on safety, as well as several events for team member recognition.
The Lincoln Industries People Resources team emphasized to our students that they look for and hire people for who they are and what they can bring to the company. They are looking for people who fit their culture and possess the right interpersonal skills, because they are willing to invest the time and resources to teach and train the technical skills, as needed. They pride themselves on being a talent-driven organization, and are willing to help individuals grow not only on the job, but personally as well.
Lincoln Industries has a strong mentorship program, which allows employees to learn other areas of the business, to foster that professional development. They also have an in-house corporate university (Lincoln Industries University) where they focus on training, development, leadership growth, and assist with tuition assistance as well.
Overall, our students were engaged and it allowed them to have a bigger vision of what their potential career path could entail. Many think of a manufacturing plant as only working on the production line, but now they better understand that there are employees who are chemists managing the solutions, engineers designing and developing new ideas to solve industry problems, as well as welders and polishers working on finished products. Now when they see shiny chrome on a semi or motorcycle, Lincoln Industries will come to mind as they work with world-class brands in the automotive, agriculture, appliance, motorsports, tools, and power sports industries.
Exposing our students to future opportunities is priceless. We are so thankful that Corrie, Sean, and Cody took the time to share with our students, answer their questions and give them a glimpse into a potential career path either after graduation or perhaps later on in their working career. Several students are interested in seeing and hearing more, and will be given the opportunity to go on a tour of Lincoln Industries soon.
