Let’s continue looking at training needs.
Training Need #2 – New Skills and Knowledge
How many times have your employees needed training on new equipment or a new process?
How did you decide specifically what training was needed?
In most cases, the manufacturer of the equipment or materials used in the process can provide specific training that you can use as is or adapt for your employees.
Take, as an example, membrane material used on a flat roof. Each manufacturer has training and information that tells how to prep the surface, how to overlap the seams, the tool to use and settings for sealing the seams, etc.
In some cases, you may have proprietary equipment or processes that give you an advantage over your competitors. In this circumstance, your own knowledge or that of an engineer who designed the process or equipment will be the source for identifying your training needs.
If these sources (manufacturers, engineers, etc.) don’t provide you with enough information, your current employees might be sources for the key information needed for training new employees.
And, finally, you can always employ professional training consultants to research your needs and design your training.
Training Need #3 – Correct Performance Deficiencies
How often have you heard someone suggest “retraining” an employee because of poor performance?
This might sound like the right thing to do. But, how do you know that you are really dealing with a training issue.
Let’s get to the root of the problem. Ask yourself, “Has the employee participated in well-designed and executed training on this topic?”
If the answer is “No”, then conducting training may be the right decision. If the answer is “Yes”, then ask yourself, “Has the training on this topic been conducted recently?”
If the training hasn’t been conducted recently, then refresher training may be in order.
Now, if the employee has been trained recently and has a performance problem, you are not likely dealing with a training problem. Retraining this employee would be as effective as driving nails with a screwdriver. It’s just not the right tool.
Next post will deal with designing training for your employees.
