Production Training Specialist - Centralia, MO

The Production Training Specialist supports the Training Supervisor in delivering a consistent, structured training experience across all departments within the Centralia campus. This role aids and supports employee training, maintains training documentation, and ensures new and existing employees receive clear, accurate instruction in safety, standard work, and job-specific requirements. The Production Training Specialist plays a key role in improving retention, strengthening skill development, and supporting operational excellence through consistent training delivery.

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Training Delivery & Employee Development

• Aid and support training for new employees and existing employees according to established training standards.
• Teach safety basics, standard work, and core concepts defined by Training, Lean, and Operations teams.
• Provide daily coaching, observation, and feedback to trainees to support development and competency.
• Track trainee progress and ensure training activities are completed on schedule.

Documentation & Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date training records, including signoffs, matrices, onboarding checklists, and certification logs.
• Ensure all training is documented using the standardized system developed by the Training Department.
• Assist in updating training materials such as JSAs, process procedures, and skills checklists.

Program Support

• Support delivery of new hire orientation and onboarding processes.
• Participate in TraintheTrainer activities and act as a certified trainer when applicable.
• Assist with departmental audits to verify employees are trained, competent, and following standard work.

• Help implement followup training for the 15-30-45-60-75-90-day program.

Operational Support

• Partner with department supervisors, leads, Lean, and HR to coordinate and schedule training activities.
• Provide feedback to the Training Supervisor on training gaps, trainee concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist in improving plant culture and retention through clear communication and consistent support of new employees.
• When necessary, support departments through limited task coverage to ensure training continuity.

Expected Outcomes

• Consistent, standardized training is delivered across all departments.
• Improved new hire performance and confidence through structured hands-on instruction.
• Higher retention in the first 90 days due to clear expectations and continuous support.
• Reduction in safety incidents and scrap due to improved understanding of standard work.
• Accurate training documentation supporting audits, compliance, and operational needs.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to teach, demonstrate, and reinforce standard operating procedures.
• Detailoriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Comfortable working on the production floor and engaging directly with employees.
• Experience training others, mentoring, or acting as a lead operator is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate with Training, Lean, HR, and Operations teams