{"id":3486,"date":"2025-09-27T23:45:56","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T23:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/?post_type=issue-article&p=3486"},"modified":"2025-10-02T06:30:54","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T06:30:54","slug":"building-skills-raising-standards-a-clear-path-to-growth","status":"publish","type":"issue-article","link":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/issue-article\/building-skills-raising-standards-a-clear-path-to-growth\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Skills, Raising Standards: A Clear Path to Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||3px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f9f9f9″ max_height=”55px” custom_margin=”-20px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||40px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”VOL | ISSUE DATE” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Fira Sans Condensed||||||||” text_text_color=”#2e3545″ custom_margin=”|||15px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

VOL. 08\u00a0 |\u00a0 ISSUE 3\u00a0 |\u00a0 Fall 2025<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”50px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” background_color_phone=”#FFFFFF” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_phone=”on” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_color_phone=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_phone=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_phone=”order: 2;||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Taviraj MAIN HEADLINE” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Taviraj|300|||||||” header_text_color=”#b2a36f” header_font_size=”90px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px” header_line_height=”1.1em” custom_margin=”0px||5px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||5px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”|||35px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”90px” header_font_size_phone=”50px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Building Skills,
Raising Standards<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text content_tablet=”<\/p>\n

Bagdad Autonomous Haulage Fleet Driving
Toward Full Site Conversion<\/h2>\n

” content_phone=”<\/p>\n

Bagdad Autonomous Haulage Fleet Driving Toward Full Site Conversion<\/h2>\n

” content_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Fira Sans Condensed Regular SUBHEAD” module_class=”lighter-fira” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Fira Sans Condensed||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#3d485e” header_2_font_size=”44px” header_2_letter_spacing=”-1px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”0px||5px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”-60px||5px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-10px||5px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”44px” header_2_font_size_phone=”30px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

A Clear Path to Growth<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#4d4d4f” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|600|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#4d4d4f” header_3_font_size=”18px” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|125px|||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

At Freeport, safe production starts with people.<\/p>\n

To support employees in their roles, the company is transitioning to a skills-based learning model. This means creating a consistent, standardized approach to training and performance across all sites and levels \u2013 from frontline workers to senior leaders.<\/p>\n

Currently, training and expectations can vary by site, and even within the same job title. These inconsistencies can lead to gaps in skills, safety risks and missed opportunities for development. Skills-based learning is designed to close those gaps.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re building a future where employees know what\u2019s expected of them, where leaders have full visibility into team capabilities, and where training is more than a requirement \u2013 it\u2019s a strategic advantage,\u201d said Erich Bower, General Manager-Strategic Workforce Development.<\/p>\n

The transition includes a comprehensive review of core competencies for different roles, aligning training and assessments to those standards, and ensuring learning happens where the work happens \u2013 in the field. Leading this effort is the Talent and Training project team, working alongside experienced employees to shape uniform standards that gradually will be implemented, starting in North America and expanding globally.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”PULL QUOTE – JUSTIN CROSS” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#4d4d4f” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|500|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#3d485e” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#a36f58″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”Fira Sans Condensed||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#a36f58″ header_4_font_size=”14px” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”25px|25px|25px|25px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|125px|||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re building a future where employees know what\u2019s
\nexpected of them, where leaders have full visibility into
\nteam capabilities, and where training is more than a
\nrequirement \u2013 it\u2019s a strategic advantage.\u201d<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

ERICH BOWER<\/strong> | GENERAL MANAGER | STRATEGIC WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#4d4d4f” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|600|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#4d4d4f” header_3_font_size=”18px” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|125px|||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

While there will be flexibility to address site-specific needs, the standards themselves will be applied consistently across the company, regardless of location, department or supervisor. For example, a heavy equipment mechanic at one site will be expected to meet the same standards as a mechanic at any other site.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re focused on helping employees grow in their career and get to the next level,\u201d Bower said. \u201cThe tools we use to support various roles might look different, but the skills we expect for your role will be consistent across the company.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#4d4d4f” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|600|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#4d4d4f” header_3_font_size=”18px” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|125px|||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

As the new standards take shape, employees will gain clearer expectations in their roles, along with personalized training that\u2019s relevant and directly tied to their work. Leaders will have a reliable way to set expectations, manage performance and identify where additional support is needed.<\/p>\n

Over time, this approach will help build a more agile workforce ready to respond to evolving business needs across sites, Bower said. Most importantly, it will help ensure employees have the essential skills for their roles \u2013 and can confidently demonstrate them, enhancing safety, productivity and accountability to operational standards.<\/p>\n

And as employees build and apply new skills, they\u2019ll unlock new opportunities \u2013 whether that means moving into a new role, taking on more responsibility or exploring different paths across the company. With clear standards in place, it\u2019ll be easier to see what\u2019s needed to take the next step \u2013 supporting employees in their career journey and encouraging them to stay at Freeport.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just about taking a class,\u201d said Chad Fretz, General Manager, Technical Training-Americas. \u201cIt\u2019s about taking the class, getting the knowledge and applying it in the field. Just attending class doesn\u2019t create business value \u2013 but using what you\u2019ve learned in your job, and doing it safely, absolutely does.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f6f6f5″ custom_margin=”50px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”50px|50px|50px|50px|false|false” background_color_phone=”#FFFFFF” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_phone=”on” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_color_phone=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_phone=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_phone=”order: 2;||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Talent-and-Training-Cover.jpg” title_text=”Talent-and-Training-Cover” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f6f6f5″ custom_margin=”-60px||||false|false” custom_padding=”50px|50px|50px|50px|false|false” background_color_phone=”#FFFFFF” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_phone=”on” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_color_phone=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_phone=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_phone=”order: 2;||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#4d4d4f” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|600|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#4d4d4f” header_3_font_size=”18px” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|125px|||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

As the new standards take shape, employees will gain clearer expectations in their roles, along with personalized training that\u2019s relevant and directly tied to their work. Leaders will have a reliable way to set expectations, manage performance and identify where additional support is needed.<\/p>\n

Over time, this approach will help build a more agile workforce ready to respond to evolving business needs across sites, Bower said. Most importantly, it will help ensure employees have the essential skills for their roles \u2013 and can confidently demonstrate them, enhancing safety, productivity and accountability to operational standards.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_color_phone=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_phone=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_phone=”order: 2;||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#4d4d4f” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|600|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#4d4d4f” header_3_font_size=”18px” header_3_line_height=”1.5em” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|125px|||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

And as employees build and apply new skills, they\u2019ll unlock new opportunities \u2013 whether that means moving into a new role, taking on more responsibility or exploring different paths across the company. With clear standards in place, it\u2019ll be easier to see what\u2019s needed to take the next step \u2013 supporting employees in their career journey and encouraging them to stay at Freeport.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just about taking a class,\u201d said Chad Fretz, General Manager, Technical Training-Americas. \u201cIt\u2019s about taking the class, getting the knowledge and applying it in the field. Just attending class doesn\u2019t create business value \u2013 but using what you\u2019ve learned in your job, and doing it safely, absolutely does.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#40485a” custom_margin=”0px||50px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”50px|0px||-16px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” background_color_phone=”#f6f5f3″ background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_phone=”on” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_color_phone=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_phone=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_phone=”order: 2;||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Execute for Value SIDEBAR” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Fira Sans Condensed||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_font_size=”24px” header_2_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|500|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”28px” header_3_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|300|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#d09e41″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|600|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”#2e3645″ width=”88%” width_tablet=”88%” width_phone=”88%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”50px|50px|50px|50px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|125px|||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” border_width_left=”16px” border_color_left=”#a36f58″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cJust attending class doesn\u2019t create business value \u2013 but using what you\u2019ve learned in your job, and doing it safely, absolutely does.\u201d <\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHAD FRETZ | GENERAL MANAGER | TECHNICAL TRAINING-AMERICAS <\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3d485e” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|0px|50px|false|false” global_module=”1861″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_nav in_same_term=”on” prev_text=”Prev Page” next_text=”Next Page” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Fira Sans Condensed|700||on|||||” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_nav][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"categories":[20],"class_list":["post-3486","issue-article","type-issue-article","status-publish","hentry","category-fall-2025"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/issue-article\/3486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/issue-article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/issue-article"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3486"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}