Selecting Training Delivery Methods

In today’s industrial landscape, maintenance managers and plant managers are constantly juggling the need for cost-effective operations with the challenge of maintaining a skilled workforce. Often understaffed, these teams struggle to onboard fully qualified help, relying instead on internal subject matter experts (SMEs). However, these experts are typically preoccupied with their primary duties, leaving little time to create or deliver comprehensive training programs.

While some organizations might be tempted to opt for inexpensive and quick canned online training solutions, this approach can often fall short, especially when attempting to teach complex technical skills. Here's why selecting quality, hands-on training over one-size-fits-all solutions is crucial for true operational efficiency:

Online Training: Pros and Cons
Canned online programs can be appealing due to their affordability and the ease of tracking completion. These courses work well for straightforward topics that require minimal depth, such as basic regulatory compliance. However, they offer limited interaction and fail to adapt to individual learning styles, often leaving learners with unanswered questions.

Instructor-led online training provides a step-up by offering engagement avenues such as Q&A, yet still risks becoming "sleeper" sessions if rigidly structured around slide presentations.

The Value of Hands-On, Instructor-Led Training
When it comes to mastering practical skills crucial for field performance, there’s no substitute for live, instructor-led, hands-on training. Here's why:

Practical Application: Effective training aligns with the practical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) needed in the field.

Interactive Techniques: Training should immerse students in realistic scenarios, requiring them to apply knowledge through hands-on practice. Such methods foster a deeper understanding that is retained long-term, as opposed to short-lived memorization.

Conceptual Focus: By concentrating on fundamental concepts and their application, rather than exhaustive details or PowerPoint slides, learners are better prepared for real-world challenges.

Functional Learning: Educating students to use references effectively ensures they can navigate technical materials post-training, enhancing their efficiency and troubleshooting capabilities.

Real-World Example: PLC Training
In a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) course, for instance, a cleverly designed exercise might present an output behavior that doesn't initially seem logical within program logic. This sparks critical thinking and problem solving, leading to a deeper understanding of the concept, rather than just reciting information for an exam.

Choosing the Right Training Solution
Selecting the right training involves considering various methods and formats to maximize learning:

Custom Onsite Training: Tailoring courses to a specific facility’s equipment, goals, and personnel can tremendously boost relevance and applicability, while allowing real-world application directly at the site.

Flexible Scheduling: Offering training in split shifts or on weekends can keep crucial team members available and optimize learning without sacrificing production.

Conclusion
Investing in quality, hands-on training is an investment in your team’s future performance. While upfront costs may be higher compared to cheaper alternatives, the payoff in terms of enhanced operational efficiency and safety is significant. Remember, the goal is not just to complete a training requirement but to improve performance. When selecting a training provider, be thorough in your evaluation and prioritize discussions about course content and methodology with SMEs.

High-quality training isn’t just about passing an exam—it’s about embedding skills and knowledge deeply into the workforce, ready to draw on when it matters most. With the right approach, training can transform your team’s operational performance, leading to a more efficient and resilient plant.