Photo By Cole Fraser | Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Quality Assurance (QA) Department (Code 130) VOICED Team...... read more read more
Vision. Opportunity. Inclusion. Cause. Execution. Diversity.
These six words comprise the focus of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Quality Assurance (QA) Department (Code 130) VOICED Team – a sub-organization within the code whose mission is to bring quality of life issues and inclusion efforts to the forefront of the department. Originally developed to analyze the results and help address the concerns from the Defense Equal Opportunity Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS), the team saw an opportunity to grow into readiness to service their employees for the better – lifting their voices for change and working to bring solutions to the table where they are needed.
“This team is all about improving the department as well as the shipyard at large,” said Code 136.3 Program Analyst and VOICED Team Lead Roderick Ellington. “When it comes to change, it’s important to take that step and be that inspiration for others to follow your lead. We are working on initiatives so that our people feel and know that they matter. As other departments see what we’re doing and the positive impact it’s made for our employees, we want them to learn from us and find ways to benefit their team as well. We want our shipyard team to be the best of the best – and we want to provide them the best opportunities to succeed.”
In the last year, the Code 130 VOICED Team has brought multiple new programs and initiatives to the forefront of Quality Assurance, helping employees to build their skills as well as recognize their hard work. Some of these programs include the Code 130 Shadowing Program, the Employee Appreciation Shout Out Program, and the QA Mart.
The shadowing program is a career development program that allows Code 130 employees to shadow positions for a maximum of two weeks and build their skills and understanding in areas they may be interested in pursuing in their career journey. They can chose roles within their code or, with the support of points of contacts within those areas, branch out to anywhere within the shipyard. Code 138.2 Non-Nuclear Welding Engineer and VOICED Team Member Grant High has recently joined the program and is excited for what it opens up for his career. “It’s really cool because once you have that support from the other codes to welcome you into the ranks, you can really go wherever across the shipyard,” he said. “It opens the doors for you and challenges you to and broaden your horizons of how these positions play a part in what we do here at NNSY. It gives you a chance to really take your career to the next level.”
The Employee Appreciation Shout Out Program is a way for employees to nominate and provide custom recognition to their coworkers who put in meaningful work and whose actions have significant impacts on those around them. “We developed this program as a reminder to our fellow colleagues and employees that their hard work they perform at the shipyard doesn’t go unrecognized,” said Code 138.1 Nuclear Welding Engineer and VOICED Team Member Devante Ruffin. “Sometimes we have folks that work hard but may fall under the radar. We want to change that for the better and provide the opportunity for everyone to lift up their peers. Nominations are open to all and each month we celebrate eight individuals for their efforts, awarding them with a custom certificate, custom coin, and a C.O.R.E. award. It’s been a big boost in morale and has helped continue the drive in being the best team we can be.”
The QA Mart, stationed on the first floor of Bldg. 184, is run and stocked by the VOICED Team to provide a one-stop shop for Code 130 employees to grab supplies they may need for their office, such as pens, notebooks, and more. With input on what’s needed from their coworkers, the team is consistently stocking up with what tools are needed to ensure daily success for their teammates.
These are just a few of the great things the VOICED Team has been working on – with more ideas being launched into fruition by the ongoing support of their active members and leadership from Code 130.
"The VOICED Team is a tremendous asset to Code 130. They truly are the 'voice' of the department workforce," said Deputy Quality Assurance Director Brian Popp. "In addition to their many accomplishments, they provide Code 130 leadership a great opportunity to hear directly from the workforce regarding any concerns or suggestions they may have as we all work to improve the quality of life within the department and at NNSY."
The team meets every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Bldg. 184 Fourth Floor Conference Room and invite all who are interested in attending.
| Date Taken: | 09.14.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2022 09:14 |
| Story ID: | 429275 |
| Location: | PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 173 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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