TDO, Columbia College at Hancock Field launch partnership

SALINA, N.Y. — The Central New York Technology Development Organization (TDO) and Columbia College of Missouri-Hancock Field have launched a new partnership that provides students with “specialized, hands-on programs.”

The new offerings address the “critical” need of employers for workers with skills in “continuous improvement and lean-enterprise methods,” TDO said in a news release issued on Friday.

The methods include frameworks, processes, and tools to solve problems and pursue improvements in all aspects of a business, including operations, engineering, accounting, human resources, and customer service.

Employers in manufacturing, services, health care, and government are “increasingly” becoming lean enterprises, TDO said.

The initial program, “Lean Foundations,” started Monday, according to the release.

It includes current students at Columbia College, who are “mostly” adult learners pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The lean programs will “enhance” students’ value to employers, “increasing opportunities for expanding responsibilities and promotions,” TDO said.

Future programs will include “Lean Applications,” “Lean Implementation,” and “Lean Six Sigma Green Belt,” according to TDO.

The Central New York Technology Development Organization, Inc. (TDO) is a Salina–based nonprofit consulting and training organization helping manufacturing and technology companies.

Columbia College of Missouri-Hancock Field offers six associate, nine bachelor’s, and two master’s degree programs in-seat; additional associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees also are available online.

The school is located at 6796 Townline Road in the town of Salina.

Columbia College operates more than 30 campuses across the country, including 18 that are located on military installations.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com