Curry Supply is dedicated to empowering employees, providing career growth roadmaps that ensure success within the organization, from entry level through successive roles. The innovative Curry Skill Enhancement and Employee Development (SEED) program for Paint and Blast Division employees, launched April 2024. This program brings structure and transparency to career advancement by defining training, skills, and performance requirements. For employees, job skill improvement through SEED translates to advanced capabilities, higher pay, and a greater sense of purpose in their work. With SEED, Curry Supply is committed to fostering the growth and success of all participating employees, with a goal of generating mutual prosperity and fulfillment within the Curry Supply organization.

Class Descriptions (Blasters)

Each employee is put into a specific class based on their skill set. Class I Blaster represents an entry-level position requiring a fundamental understanding of material blast, material handling, or blast equipment. Individuals in this tier are expected to possess a basic comprehension of the processes involved, coupled with a strong willingness to train, learn, and enhance their technical knowledge and skills. As the foundation of Curry Supply’s blasting operations, Class I Blasters play a vital role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of blasting procedures, contributing to the overall success of Curry Supply’s operations.

Class II Blaster signifies a mid-level role characterized by proficiency in various aspects of material blast operations. Individuals must demonstrate expertise in executing material blast tasks, proficiently handling materials, utilizing blast equipment, and conducting equipment maintenance and troubleshooting when necessary. Class II Blasters are recognized for their sustained performance in consistently producing high-quality work with minimal direction. Their advanced skills and experience contribute to the efficiency and reliability of Curry Supply’s blasting operations, ensuring that projects are completed to the highest standards of quality and precision.

Lastly, Class III Blaster signifies the pinnacle of expertise within our blasting operations, representing a senior-level position of mastery. Individuals in this role possess unparalleled proficiency in all facets of material blast execution, material handling, blast equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting. Their extensive experience and skillset enable them to consistently produce high-quality work autonomously, without the need for direction. Class III Blasters demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, offering creative solutions to complex challenges and effectively leading and managing others within the team. Their contributions play a critical role in driving innovation, efficiency, and excellence within Curry Supply’s blasting operations, ensuring the continued success and advancement of the organization.

Class Descriptions (Spray Applicator)

As the first tier in Curry’s three-tiered system, Class I Spray Applicator represents an entry-level position requiring a foundational understanding of material preparation or paint application processes and tools. Individuals in this role are expected to have a basic grasp of these fundamental aspects, coupled with a strong willingness to undergo training, acquire new knowledge, and enhance their technical skills. This tier serves as the starting point for employees to develop their expertise and progress within the organization’s spray application division.

Class II Spray Applicator demonstrates proficiency in executing at least two areas of expertise within our paint application processes. These areas may include surface preparation, interior coating, exterior coating, and/or bedliner application. Additionally, individuals in this role are skilled at prep and paint equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring that tools are well-maintained and operational to facilitate smooth operations. Sustained performance reflects a consistent ability to produce high-quality work with minimal direction, showcasing their reliability and expertise to deliver quality results.

As the highest tier, Class III Spray Applicator embodies mastery and leadership within this division. Individuals require unparalleled expertise in the execution of at least three areas of specialization, which may include surface preparation, interior coating, exterior coating, and/or bedliner application. Mastery in prep and paint equipment maintenance and troubleshooting ensures the seamless operation of tools and equipment essential to our operations. Class III Spray Applicators consistently produce high-quality work freely, without the need for direction, reflecting their exceptional skill and reliability. Beyond their technical proficiency, individuals excel in leadership, offering creative solutions to challenges and effectively leading and managing others within the team.

Skills and Assessments (Blasters)

To advance from Class I to Class II, Blasters undergo a comprehensive evaluation process. Firstly, individuals must demonstrate proficiency in various blasting procedures, including proper parts handling and blasting techniques for on-road water tank baffles, shells, and end caps, as well as for a complete on-road water tank. Additionally, Blasters are required to exhibit competence in blast equipment maintenance. These assessments are evaluated by a supervisor or an AMPP C7 Certified individual, ensuring adherence to industry standards. Furthermore, Blasters must successfully complete the Blaster portion of the ICA training syllabus and earn the Curry In-House Blaster Certificate, issued jointly by AMPP and SFU upon successful completion of all requirements. Finally, to progress, Blasters must achieve an annual evaluation score of 35 or higher, reflecting their overall performance and commitment to quality. This evaluation process ensures that individuals advancing to Class II possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and performance standards to excel in their roles within the Blasting Division.

To progress from Class II to Class III, Blasters must effectively complete a thorough evaluation process. This evaluation includes demonstrating proficiency in various blasting procedures, such as proper parts handling and blasting techniques for an off-road water tank, including baffles, shells, end caps, and parts, as well as for a complete off-road water tank. Blasters must also exhibit mastery in blast equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair, ensuring the seamless operation of equipment essential to our operations. These assessments are rigorously evaluated by a supervisor or an AMPP C7 Certified individual, ensuring adherence to industry standards. Moreover, Blasters must complete the Blaster Portion of the ICA training syllabus and earn the C7 (Blaster) Certification, signifying their expertise and proficiency in the field. Finally, to progress, Blasters must achieve an excellent annual evaluation, reflecting their overall performance and commitment to intelligence.

Skills and Assessments (Spray Applicators)

To progress from Class I to Class II, individuals undergo a targeted evaluation process, demonstrating competence in various coating and equipment maintenance tasks. This evaluation includes the optional demonstration of proper surface preparation, stripe coating, interior coating, exterior coating, and bedliner coating on an on-road water tank, showcasing versatility and expertise in different application techniques. Additionally, personnel must exhibit competence in prep and/or paint equipment maintenance, a crucial aspect of ensuring the efficiency and reliability of our operations. These assessments are carefully evaluated by a supervisor or an AMPP C-12 Certified individual, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.

To continue from Class II to Class III, individuals undergo a complete evaluation process, demonstrating expertise in a range of coating techniques and equipment maintenance tasks. This evaluation includes the optional demonstration of proper surface preparation, interior coating, exterior coating, and bedliner application on an off-road water tank, showcasing versatility and expertise in various application methods. Additionally, individuals must exhibit mastery in paint equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair, ensuring the seamless operation of essential equipment. These assessments are rigorously evaluated by a supervisor or an AMPP C-12 Certified individual, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices. Individuals must complete the Spray Application portion of the ICA training syllabus and earn the AMPP C-12 Certificate, signifying their expertise and proficiency in the field. Finally, to continue, individuals must achieve an excellent annual evaluation, reflecting their overall performance and commitment to quality.

Certification

Through the SEED Program (Blast and Spray Application), there are certifications that can be earned. The Industrial Coating Application (ICA) program provides comprehensive training delivered by experienced instructors and supported by hands-on lab exercises. These exercises are designed to familiarize students with the setup and operation of equipment used in industrial coating applications, as well as to teach proper surface preparation and coating application techniques. The program is tailored for individuals pursuing careers as craftworkers in various industrial sectors. By participating in the ICA program, students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of the industrial coating industry. Moreover, the program serves as excellent preparation for certification exams such as the C7 Blaster and C12 Spray Application, further enhancing students’ credentials and career opportunities in the field of industrial coating application.

Employee Annual Reviews

During annual reviews at Curry Supply, mapping employees’ training and career progress is a structured and essential process aimed at fostering professional development and advancement. As part of this process, SEED career progression planning is mandatory for all Class I and II employees, ensuring a deliberate focus on their growth within the organization. For Class III employees, the annual review shifts towards assessing and developing management and leadership skills. The review includes discussions on short-term and long-term career goals, enabling employees to align their aspirations with organizational objectives. Additionally, employees list and discuss their current strengths and weaknesses, facilitating an open dialogue about areas for improvement. Supervisors play a crucial role by providing feedback on employee performance and collaborating to develop a plan to advance qualifications and improve skills throughout the next year. This may involve scheduling both internal and external training to address identified areas of weakness and capitalize on strengths. Moreover, Class II and III employees are expected to take on leadership roles by leading formal training sessions, further enhancing their skills and contributing to the development of their peers.

Benefits

Professional training and certifications offer numerous benefits for both Curry employees and the company as a whole. Firstly, advancing one’s skills can provide a pathway for career advancement, leading to a better livelihood for our team. Secondly, certifications serve as tangible proof of individual achievement, fostering a sense of accomplishment and purpose among employees and aiding in their retention. Additionally, these certifications, such as AMPP certifications, are recognized internationally, further validating the expertise of Curry Supply. Furthermore, investing in professional training and certifications demonstrates our commitment to growth and quality. By improving the technical knowledge of employees, Curry Supply ensures the enhancement of product quality and consistency. This commitment to training cultivates the next generation of skilled workers, shaping the future of Curry’s business and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Conclusion

Curry Skill Enhancement and Employee Development (SEED) Program for Curry’s Blast and Spray Application Division is a testament to unwavering commitment to empowering team members with the tools they need to succeed within the organization. The SEED Program brings structure and transparency to career advancement by defining training, skills, and performance requirements, ensuring mutual prosperity for both employees and the company. Through SEED, individuals have the opportunity to improve their job skills, leading to higher pay and a greater sense of purpose in their work. This program is tailored to cultivate the growth and success of every team member, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and skill within Curry Supply. With a clear career growth roadmap provided by SEED, team members are well-equipped to navigate their professional journeys and contribute to the ongoing success of Curry Supply.