August 2023 Volume 5

INDUSTRY NEWS

What’s New with FIA’s Forging University By James R. Warren

Our staff here at FIA thought it would be helpful to update association members and the industry at-large on the new training classes and webinars available in the Learning Management System (LMS) that houses Forging University. With more than 50 courses and webinar offerings, Forging University is fast becoming the number one benefit FIA members use. Forging University is FREE for employees of FIA member companies, as well as educators and students (with a .edu email address) and military members (with a .mil email address). Now, let us test your knowledge level of this FIA member benefit: 1. True or False: Forging University was one of the first association-installed e-learning systems in North America? The answer is true. Forging University launched in 2000 with custom developed forging classes such as Forging 101 and dozens of other courses to train every job function in a forging operation. We may have been one of the first, but we have not rested and continually refreshed our content with new offerings – many taught by our very own members. 2. True of False: Forging University is just classes…no testing components or spot quizzes? That is false. Forging University classes are chock-full of testing and ways to gauge knowledge gained as learners go through the material, and a certificate is provided if the learner masters the material. 3. True or False: The new Forging University contains only forging-specific courses? The answer is false. Forging University has partnered with leading LMS course providers in Human Resources and other topic areas to be a complete learning platform for forgers. FIA has an excellent line-up working effectively in the operation, including several sexual harassment training offerings and

effective communications – two important topic areas for training within any company. Forging University added a ‘Bearings Fundamentals’ course in 2023 as many forgings turn into bearings as a final product. 4. True or False: Our U.S. Military personnel take Forging University classes just like FIA members do? True! FIA is under contract (2021-2025) with the DOD’s Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to develop forging-focused technical content that also benefits anyone who supports the Warfighter. Support includes funding for course development; LMS support fees; staff time, and finally funds to purchase complete courses of interest to forgers, but not developed by FIA or its members. Military and government staff are admitted to Forging University at no cost, and we currently have more than 60 personnel enrolled in courses.

FIA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2023 52