At Siftex Equipment Co., we believe that our employees are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we were thrilled to participate in the Rev-Up Manufacturing Program, administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT). With support from a federal grant and the Office of Workforce Strategy, this program is designed to upskill and place employees in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and IT.

Siftex Employees Take On Rev-Up

Embracing Process Innovation and Cross-Department Learning

Four of our participants also attended a live CCAT session titled “Process Innovation Awareness.” This course was a unique opportunity for participants from various departments and companies to learn about the importance of process improvement within an organization. They gained valuable insights into how focusing on processes can drive operational efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and ultimately impact company growth while connecting with other manufacturing professionals.

Dominic Amagliani, Welding Supervisor, found the in-person classes particularly enriching. He valued the opportunity to engage with professionals from other companies, sharing perspectives on how to tackle industry challenges. “The instructors were fantastic,” said Dominic. “It was helpful to learn about paradigm shifts in the industry and apply critical thinking to identify bottlenecks in our processes. Siftex has created a healthy environment for personal and company growth, and the skills we’ve developed through this program are already helping to improve our decision-making and communication.”

Communication Enhancement: Benefits in Customer Service

Danielle Gorman, a member of our customer service team, completed the online training portion of the Rev-Up program, focusing on communication and conflict resolution. The courses were divided into three sections: course material, real-world scenarios, and assessment tests. “The most impactful part of the training was learning how to better communicate with customers. By paying close attention to the kinds of questions they ask and the details they provide, I can better understand how to help them,” she shared. Danielle expressed gratitude for the opportunity to grow in ways she hadn’t imagined: “It was great that Siftex provided me with this chance to learn things I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.”

Benefits of Rev-Up for Employees and Employers

The Rev-Up Manufacturing program is a win-win for both employees and employers. By upskilling our team members, we’re enhancing their job satisfaction while making them more impactful in their roles. One key advantage of the program is that it comes at no cost to the employer. Additionally, companies receive a grant for each employee that completes the program, making it an excellent investment in both people and business outcomes.

Eileen Candels, Director of Partnerships at CCAT, spoke highly of Siftex’s leadership throughout the program. “Because there is top-down leadership support and endorsement, a commitment to ongoing education, and support for her team, Katty made this a breeze,” Eileen said, referring to Siftex’s General Manager, Katty Garcia. “This fueled and inspired the passion that the entire team brought to the program.”

Looking Ahead: Siftex and CCAT’s Rev-Up Program in 2025

We’re incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our employees in completing the Rev-Up training and for the positive impact it’s already had on our company. With a renewed focus on process improvement, communication, and innovation, we’re poised to deliver even greater value to our clients.

The Rev-Up Program will continue into early 2025. For more information about the program, or to get involved with your company, you can contact Cameron Diaz at cdiaz@ccat.us. We highly recommend this incredible opportunity for companies looking to enhance their workforce and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

By investing in programs like Rev-Up, we’re not just building a better team—we’re building a better future for Siftex, our partners, and the industries we serve.