THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING

September 2, 1915

“. . . according to Paul Golden, founder and managing partner of Schilling Ventures, LLC., the biggest obstacle facing the manufacturing sector today is the lack of skilled training. . . . Employers are struggling to find individuals who are skilled and mechanically adept. ‘Workers don’t know enough trade skills. This is compounded by many school districts failing at the basics of education for individuals headed to the shop floor,’ Golden says. The lack of skilled laborers, he says, hinders productivity, creating a disadvantage against off-shore competitors. . . .” ( https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/challenges-facing-todays-manufacturing-industry/ )

When we examine the training function in the process and manufacturing industries it usually falls into one, or more, of the following three categories:

• Comprehensive Training—an in-depth approach, from basics to advanced topics, covering the “why’s,” as well as the “how to’s.” An apprentice program would be an example.

• Multi-Craft Training—the complexity of modern equipment, which often combines technologies (broader job classifications), has made this a rapidly growing need. An example would be an electronics technician who encounters hydraulic robots (with electronic controls) needs more than a basic understanding of hydraulics.

• Upgrade Training—extending the knowledge and skills within a person’s primary area of responsibility. Common examples would be training an electrician in electronics, or an electronics technician in data communications.

Identifying the goals of your training initiatives has always been the easy part.

What is far more difficult is identifying the learning culture of the individuals to be trained and, then, leaving your own prejudices behind as you search for “the perfect fit” that will allow those individuals to successfully reach your goals.

As we’ve reiterated many times, video-based and/or animations courseware with optional full audio, is far and away your best chance to accomplish your organization’s training goals.

And, for the trainees, that will be true for them as well.

Most people are motivated to learn and progress.

Traditional “Reading/Lecture” training is no longer the best way for many, many Americans to learn.

For most of your workforce: “If they can’t see it — they can’t learn it!”

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend! More next Wednesday – – –

Bill Walton: co-Founder, ITC Learning
www.itclearning.com/blog/
(Mondays & Wednesdays)

“THE WORLD RELIES ON THE HANDS OF ITS MEN AND WOMEN”