Training: Your Most Powerful Insurance Policy

Training: Your Most Powerful Insurance Policy

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When working with pressure there’s no margin for error. Worker safety must be the number one priority, and proper training is a key element in ensuring everyone makes it home safely and that your business is protected.

For this reason, companies involved in the building and maintenance of fluid systems take training very seriously, mandating that workers of all levels receive fluid system safety training before setting foot on the jobsite. They know that competency is more powerful than any insurance policy when it comes to mitigating risk and ensuring the efficiency of operations. But what does a first-class training program look like? We’ll break down the three elements every training program should include.

The Course is Only as Effective as the Provider(instructor + content + expertise)

As the adage goes, time is money, and training takes your employees away from the task at hand. You have to be sure that the investment will yield returns to your operation. And it starts with a certified training program with a qualified instructor and the materials to teach your associates. A good rule of thumb is to look for instructors who have spent time working in the field alongside engineers, mechanics, technicians and operators. The instructor should have intimate knowledge of the daily challenges your employees face in order to provide them with useful tools that can be applied in real life – not just in a classroom.

Experience is what can help an instructor quickly earn the respect of your employees and keep them engaged. Equally important are facilitation skills and effective training methods. Great instructors will be able to offer relatable stories and anecdotes as well as engage learners in demonstrations and activities that can accelerate the knowledge that is taken back and applied throughout your operations. Ultimately, instructors who come from learning environments and organizations focused on knowledge sharing can offer greater insights to your business.

Hands-on, Practical Training Boosts Retention and Engagement

We’ve all had those teachers. The ones who stand in front of the room talking ad nauseam, citing references from textbooks and never taking any real time to engage with the class. The truth is, there’s no faster way to lose an audience than talking at students for an entire day.

The most effective training programs include a mix of theoretical, classroom-style learning and practical application, meaning that participants get to have an opportunity to engage with the subject matter hands on. Activities and group participation are proven to keep learners engaged and help them retain what they’ve learned long after the training course is complete.

For the best results, look for training programs that dedicate at least 30 percent of course time to practical application and that, depending on the subject matter, enable the instructor to spend one-on-one time with your employees, giving them the hands-on education they desire.

Learning Must Continue Once the Course is Over

Effective training is not one day and done. It is a continuous process. Your employees should walk away with the materials, such as workbooks, tip sheets, and manuals, that can be referenced in the field. They should also have the opportunity to continue their learning outside of the training room on their own time. Great training programs can be augmented by shorter, online learning courses on very specific topics that will help them be safer and more efficient on the job. It’s also important to note that technology, challenges, and opportunities evolve, so retraining and refreshment are critical.

The efficiency of your business and the safety of your workers are dependent upon proper competency in all facets of your operations. From proper installation and maintenance of components to addressing common safety concerns, you rely on your suppliers to offer courses that help you reduce or eliminate errors and injuries. The results for you will be smoother operations, lower downstream costs, and higher profitability – and an added insurance policy that you are doing everything you can to mitigate risks and protect your people.

Swagelok Essentials Training pairs our experienced, Swagelok certified training professionals with proven theoretical and practical curricula to give your employees the most comprehensive training experience possible.

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