Cherry Valley, ILLINOIS (January 29, 2025) – Ipsen is proud to announce the graduation of its inaugural class of field service engineers from the Ipsen FSE Academy, a next-generation training program building on the foundation of the former Ipsen Corporate Academy. This revamped initiative reflects Ipsen’s ongoing commitment to developing top-tier talent. These engineers successfully completed an intensive 20-week training program focused on mastering the complexities of heat-treatment furnace repair and service.
In September, six rookie and veteran Ipsen field service engineers joined instructors Cavan Cardenas and Darci Johnson to begin this intensive course. The program combined classroom instruction, hands-on training in the assembly plant, and fieldwork. They learned from industry experts in furnace design and engineering, collaborated with field service veterans who shared expertise gained from decades of troubleshooting customer furnaces, and developed entrepreneurial soft-skills that make Ipsen’s field service team an industry leader.
Graduation took place on January 23, honoring the hard work and dedication of Charles W., Chris B., Josh D., Justin C., Kenny S., and Mike L. Representing regions across the U.S., these engineers now bring their expertise to a diverse customer base.
“I’m so grateful to have shared this experience with such a great group of professionals,” said Cardenas, Ipsen’s Technical Training Lead. “These FSE Academy graduates will quickly become very effective Field Service Engineers.”
Johnson, Ipsen’s Program and Transformation Manager, added, “Throughout their journey, these engineers have exemplified dedication, resilience, and a passion for continuous learning. They have not only met but exceeded expectations, demonstrating exceptional technical skills and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction.”
As the demand for skilled service personnel grows, Ipsen continues to invest in talent development. “We are always working to develop our existing team, while recruiting talented people to join our team too,” said Ipsen USA President and CEO Patrick McKenna. “We have no shortage of opportunities; we just need to identify more great people who are driven to pursue those opportunities with us.”
Graduate Chris B. highlighted the value of the program: “(The FSE Academy) is more than being thrown a textbook and left to study. We shared the full experience and gained knowledge from all of the aspects of Ipsen.”
Fellow graduate Justin C. reflected, “This has been an excellent opportunity for growth. It gave us worksite experience and taught us to expect the unexpected. Even more than that, it taught us that the opportunity to grow exists within us.”
Charles W. echoed the sentiment, saying, “The training we received put us in a position to win. Like being outside in a rainstorm but having an umbrella. It’s given us the tools to succeed.”
The FSE Academy is a significant milestone in Ipsen’s commitment to advancing the skills and careers of its team members, ensuring a brighter future for its field service engineers and customers alike.