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The plant’s numerous upgrades have created training challenges. “We’ve spent $10 million to $15 million a year for the past 10 years on upgrades, which is a good thing but creates a constant learning curve,” says Alford. A 2012 centrifuge upgrade involved training multiple people and rotating shifts. The plant also upgrades computers and software every five years.
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The programs and measures undertaken have proven beneficial in regenerating and maintaining a stable workforce and desired level of customer service by retaining key employees and system knowledge in an unstable economic climate. CCWS also recognizes that in addition to the actions outlined, it must have a strategic vision and process that is proactively supported through financial sustainability and open communication with employees, stakeholders, and customers.
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Murfreesboro also uses a computer-based training program, provided by 360 Water and customized for all pieces of equipment. Operators can access the training modules and take tutorials and review procedures on specific pieces of equipment. Still, old fashioned hands-on methods remain popular. “For me, the best way to learn is hands-on,” says lead operator Joe Russell. “It’s best when you actually go down there and click the buttons.”
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OM360 provides online training and is recognized by the state of California to provide continuing education courses to licensed distribution and treatment operators. Attendees learn how to target "operation and maintenance issues that need to be relayed to staff." Some of the coursework includes Turblex blowers, courses one and two; lift station pump course; accident investigation and more.
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Taking a test is not just a passive mechanism for assessing how much people know, according to new research. It actually helps people learn, and it works better than a number of other studying techniques.
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Two companies actively involved in that process are 360water and OM360, both founded by Laura Tegethoff. In 2002, she began working on a program to offer custom operations and maintenance training for water utilities. The City of Columbus and Southwest Licking Sewer (Ohio) adopted customized O&M one year later. Today, more than 60 municipal and manufacturing clients use the customized training services.
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Who's better at teaching difficult physics to a class of more than 250 college students: the highly rated veteran professor using time-tested lecturing, or the inexperienced graduate students interacting with kids via devices that look like TV remotes? The answer could rattle ivy on college walls.
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Knowledge transfer and knowledge capture will help utilities retain their best practices when staff leave or retire. Over the next five to ten years, most utilities will experience significant staff turnover. OM360’s customized online training tools can capture your staff’s knowledge and transfer it to the next generation of employees. Utilities must preserve the institutional knowledge of their staff, otherwise, when staff leaves, their workplace know-how will leave with them.
The plant’s numerous upgrades have created training challenges. “We’ve spent $10 million to $15 million a year for the past 10 years on upgrades, which is a good thing but creates a constant learning curve,” says Alford. A 2012 centrifuge upgrade involved training multiple people and rotating shifts. The plant also upgrades computers and software every five years.