Maintenance pros know that the best hedge against downtime is a well-trained workforce. But, that presents its own problems. Management wants everyone to be on the same page in an efficient operation. Companies that are large enough may have the luxury of having standard company-wide training programs or internal training resources. Most do not.
There are seminars held in many cities. More cities do not have seminars. On-line training is available in some subjects, but certainly not in all pertinent maintenance areas. And, frankly, most public training is just that…public and generic.
Six Solid Reasons to Bring Specialized Maintenance Training to the Plant
Management needs to listen to Maintenance when it comes to selling the value of on-location training. And, Maintenance needs to be armed with the selling points when on-location training is considered.
First, a training supplier should endeavor to find out specifically what matters to the facility, the skill levels being dealt with, specific equipment of concern and the training outcome expected.
Secondly, with on-location training, an infinite number of subjects exist or can be created. Maintenance may think that some electrical troubleshooting is needed, when the real need is for preventive maintenance.
Third, maintenance should expect an instructor to get his hands dirty with real life walk-thru and hands-on training exercises, on the equipment at the facility.
Fourth, having multiple technicians needing training can be an opportunity to get “everyone on the same page” as mentioned. Class sizes are generally flexible with hands-on sessions best around 15 people and lecture subjects good for larger groups. Your trainer should make those recommendations.
It is never easy to get an entire crew together. Vacations, sick days, shifts. When the training comes to a facility, though, timing is up to the customer. Even the graveyard if necessary! Or, that necessary wait until downtime or August.
And, lastly, the cost. Management may balk at a price tag…until they realize that training like this, besides the above benefits, usually works out to be far less than a per person cost for seminars, travel, time away, etc.
As the economy ramps back up, worker training and efficiency need to keep pace.
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Training is essential for any prespective of life, be it excelling in skills, or enhancing the, or even reduce costs. Most of the time, corps ignore the need for these training programs and round themselves up in great dangers and sticky situations. Training has never been easy, to keep it focused and interesting is a true tacklers job.
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