Meet Rhonda Cox, Production Control Supervisor at Chemring Countermeasures USA, based in Toone, Tennessee. Rhonda first joined the company in 1997.
"I really didn't know what my career path would be in the beginning. I began by working on the production line. When I started to learn more about how things work here and get a better understanding of what the other departments do, I decided I would really like to work in the Production Control department. In the meantime, I was offered a position in the Quality department, which I accepted, and did for a few years."
Then in 2003, a job came up in Production Control as an Analyst, so Rhonda applied for it and was successful. Seven years later, in 2010, she was promoted to Supervisor.
"In my role as Supervisor, I support and manage three other people and train new people coming into the role. We're a very detail-driven department. For each 'lot', we put together a data package, which includes a vast amount of paperwork, detailing all the components that the operators have used. It's my job to go through those packages with a fine toothcomb. Once I feel they're good to go, I pass them on to quality. From there, they go for government approval and then up to our military customers."
Rhonda appreciates that Chemring has supported her through lots of courses and training, which has enabled her to reach the position she's in today, along with hard work, of course! "I've recently received a certificate for a Workforce Development course I completed at Jackson State Community College, which was based around the core skills of leadership. It was a great course – I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed it."
Within the next year or two, the company will be changing over to a totally new software system, so there will be training involved with that, too. "The one we're on now has been here for about 20 years, I think. For someone who's never used it, our current system is complicated. The new software system will be much simpler to use."
What would Rhonda's advice be to new starters today? "If you have a goal, stick at it … and always be nice to everyone you work with because you never know who's going to be your boss! And be willing to help others wherever you can. I try to help people in other departments, not just my own. I think that's the attitude of everybody who works here.
"I thoroughly enjoy what I do – working with numbers, the inventory, the paperwork, the system – all of it. And I genuinely feel that I'm appreciated, and that's important. I know people who work for other companies who hate going into their jobs every day. As a team, we get along well together. We know what we've got to do and we do it to the best of our abilities."
And it's a family affair! "My father worked here for 37 years from when I was a baby. My brother and sister have also worked here in the past, and even my Mum. A lot of families work here. I plan on staying until I retire – that's my goal, and it's a good one."