Industrial, Mechanical, and Systems Engineering (IMSE) hosted the first 40-hour Facilitation and Continuous Improvement 101 course at Newport News Shipbuilding in April. The training was custom built to offer both new and seasoned shipbuilders a high-level overview of the skills and methodologies used to successfully facilitate meetings, projects and events at NNS along with a high-level overview of continuous improvement and how it helps the company improve quality, increase customer satisfaction and reduce waste inherent to processes, products and services.

The course, which was sponsored by IMSE Director Dannon Butts, was created and presented by Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Michael Lynk, also of IMSE. “I sought permission to deliver this course as a tangible means to give something back to a company that has blessed me with so much during my career. I sincerely hope it will help NNS shipbuilders better enable our workforce, transform our business operations, execute efficiently, and lead the way,” Lynk said.

Butts challenged the class to “be visible for your department and a voice for people with ideas,” during the kickoff.

“The class was a pleasure to attend, and I will be encouraging many more people to sign up,” said Dakota Cunningham (K49). Another participant, Sean James (O06), called the course material and the entire experience “very informational and beneficial.”

Facilitation and Continuous Improvement 101 will be offered quarterly.