Leadership Training for Manufacturing Supervisors
Supervisor Boot Camp
This training boot camp provides the practical tools, tips, and techniques necessary for your frontline management to thrive in the day-to-day battle of manufacturing leadership.
Spanish
HRCI
SHRM
Why Manufacturing Supervisors Need Leadership Training
An exploration of what leaders are asked to be, what they’re asked to do, and methods to get both.
In manufacturing, the best welder, machinist, or assembler is often promoted into a leadership role and expected to succeed because they were good at their previous position. In reality, the skills needed to be a manager and leader are completely different than the “hard skills” they were using to be good at their jobs. This program teaches participants the practical skills they need to survive and thrive in the world of manufacturing leadership and to successfully transition from peer to leader. Designed by experts with 30+ years of manufacturing experience, this program will engage manufacturing leaders in a way few other training programs can. This training is available in both English and Spanish.
Who is it for?
Supervisor Boot Camp, available in English and Spanish, is for frontline supervisors, new leaders, or high potential employees being trained for a management role. The content is designed with a focus on leaders in a manufacturing or similar industrial setting. While the content is targeted towards frontline leaders each class may have participants ranging from team leaders up to plant managers. Typical industry backgrounds include manufacturing of all types, warehousing and distribution, construction, skilled trades, and more.
Want to know if this program fits your team? Talk to an expert.
What You Will Learn
This high energy course is delivered over 16-hours of training taking place over four 4-hour sessions virtually or over two back to back full days in person. In these sessions you will cover:
- Supervisor Basics: Participants will go over the purpose, role, and influence of the supervisor and they will learn the six attributes of a leader and how to apply them. They will also discuss the mechanics of the job, such as decision making, fire-fighting, planning, and accountability. In this session they will transition from a co-worker mindset, to a leadership mindset.
- Financial Literacy and Impact: Participants will discuss how they can impact the company’s bottom line. They will learn basics about financial goals, labor costs, budgets, and profitability. They will also be introduced to Lean Manufacturing concepts, understand the financial impact of the 7 types of waste, and learn some simple changes that can help or hurt the bottom line.
- Communication Essentials: Participants will understand the importance of being well read, well spoken, and well heard. They will learn how to write proper e-mails, conduct productive meetings, and communicate cascading goals and actions throughout the organization.
- Thriving With Your Team: Participants will review a day in the life of a supervisor. They will understand how to plan the day’s production, execute before and after action reviews, and conduct effective “morning huddles.” They will learn how the incoming worker and existing worker need to work together for higher retention and lower turnover.
The course will conclude with a lesson on managing vs. leading.
Benefits of Supervisor Boot Camp
There are many benefits to bringing Supervisor Boot Camp into your workplace, such as:
This fast-paced, interactive series is about the “how-to” of management. It’s designed to give you a new set of tools in your leadership toolbox with which you can enjoy a reduced level of stress and new heights of success.
This training gives a new perspective to “waste” and introduces participants to the principles of Lean Manufacturing.
This training provides financial awareness and ways for leaders to help improve the bottom line, while driving business goals.
Employees who feel connected to and appreciated by their direct supervisors are more motivated, have higher engagement, and are less likely to leave the company for another opportunity. Supervisor Boot Camp takes an in-depth look at supervisor’s impact on the retention of their workforce.
Workers who feel appreciated and engaged in their work are more likely to work harder and produce better results. Supervisor Boot Camp helps to increase engagement both in leaders and in those they are leading.
HRCI
This training offers 16 credits
SHRM
This training offers 16 credits
Program Details and Registration
Virtual Training Program Details
All virtual sessions are live, instructor-led. Virtual training takes place over a Zoom meeting. Class sizes are limited to 20 participants so that interaction and learning are maximized. Once registered, participants will receive details on how to join the Zoom meeting.
Supervisor Boot Camp in person training includes:
- 16 hours of training and activities
- Training workbook, templates, and tools
Format: Four 4-hour sessions delivered virtually over four weeks.
Online Platform: Zoom.us
For Participation You Will Need:
- A computer, laptop, iPad, or smart phone
- Internet access
In Person Training Program Details
This training takes place at the Frontline Training Solutions training center in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Class sizes are limited to 20 participants so that interaction and learning are maximized.
Supervisor Boot Camp in person training includes:
- 16 hours of training and activities
- Training workbook, templates, and tools
- Continental breakfast, boxed lunch, snacks, and drinks are provided
Format: Two 8-hour sessions delivered in person.
Location: 1760 44th Street SW, Suite 10, Grand Rapids, MI 49519
Custom Solutions
Receive Customized Training
We offer customized training, both in person and virtual, in English or Spanish, for teams across the country. If you’d like a customized training on Supervisor Boot Camp for your team, contact us today.
Supervisor Boot Camp Reviews
I am not sure I have ever attended a training session that received such great reviews and comments by the entire participant group!
Jeff W, General Manager
Pace Industries, LLC
After attending I have gained a better understanding of all the areas of non-valuable work or actions. I originally came to this course because I had to but walked away from it with a great deal of information which will be extremely helpful. I had zero expectations to be met originally and by the end any and all expectations that I may have had were exceeded. John was an excellent, helpful, and personable instructor.”
Adam Ritter, Die Maker
Artiflex Manufacturing
“The class was very informative, and I believe anyone in a leadership role should take this class. John was great. The influence I have on my employees and others around me was my biggest takeaway.”
Austin Clark, Superintendent
Speedtrack
"This training taught me the power of trust and the value of influence.”
Ben Merritt, Scheduling Manager
Nucraft Furniture
“I highly recommend taking this training. I can’t wait to be able to put in practice what I learned this couple of days, it changed the perspective of things and now my role is clearer and more defined, and I am very thankful for the opportunity that I had from my company to be sent to this Supervisor boot camp.”
Carolina Miller, Production Manager
Witness Inspection, Inc
“Leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less. And everything that influence includes. Also, the 7 known wastes. Very key points. John is so good at what he does that I was completely engaged the whole time.”
James Marshall, Operations Manager
Great Lakes Coca Cola Distribution, LLC
“I found the knowledge motivating and it inspired me to grow and be better.”
Joel Ensink, Plant Manager
Speedrack
“My most valuable take-away is there is always more to learn as we become better professionals in the workforce, and that managers such as myself can influence the workforce in many, many different ways.”
John Spivey, Supervisor
Meals on Wheel of West Michigan
“I would have to say that this program provided huge insights into how I lead and how I want to lead in the future. I want to impact my team in a positive way by my words and actions and along the way enable the team to be effective and responsible for their own success in the workplace as well as out of the workplace.” –,
Ross Amaro, Shipping Supervisor
Permaloc Aluminum Edging
“The most valuable takeaway from this training was understanding the importance of becoming the fire chief, rather than the firefighter. It emphasized the need to develop my team by creating intent, which in turn fosters their buy-in. Reviewing the math behind the cost of turnover and the hours required to complete jobs was also extremely helpful. The instructor, John, was very knowledgeable and explained the training content clearly, making it easy for everyone to understand.”
Sean Bryan, Inventory Control Manager
Speedrack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely! Leaders of all levels and types can benefit from Supervisor Boot Camp, especially those working in a manufacturing organization. We often find that when more leadership levels participate it helps to create a “common language” across the organization for leaders and employees to use. If Supervisor Boot Camp doesn’t sound like the right fit for you or your team, take a look at Leadership Foundations or contact us to speak with one of our trainers.
Yes, this training will provide a solid foundation for a future leader and give them the skills they need to make a smooth transition into a leadership role.
Yes, this training is customizable and can be conducted on site at your organization! Supervisor Boot Camp is one of our most popular programs to be offered onsite at a client location. This allows you to train your entire frontline leadership team very quickly and get everyone using the same tools and language right away. This can be done at any location in the U.S. Contact us to learn more.
Since 1983 our parent company, Express Employment Professionals, has been connecting the workforce to the workplace. We’ve been on the frontlines hearing the challenges employers are facing, understanding the mindset of the workforce, and studying the demographic trends facing our future.
Frontline Training Solutions was born out of the desire to do more for the companies we serve. We’ve harnessed the workforce knowledge gathered through employing millions of people and serving thousands for companies so that we can provide the solutions you need to train, develop, and retain your workforce. This means all our training programs take a practical real-world approach to help be a catalyst for change and improvement back at your organization.
Supervisor training should cover core leadership skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and team motivation. It should also include performance management, safety and compliance, and real-world decision-making. A well-rounded program like a Supervisor Bootcamp combines practical tools with hands-on learning to prepare leaders for frontline challenges.
Other Resources to Consider
Podcast
What leadership skills do manufacturing supervisors need?
In this episode, we dive into the hard and soft skills manufacturing supervisors need to succeed, the benefits of leadership alignment within organizations, and we touch on various training programs for manufacturing supervisors.
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