| LONG TERM VALUES |
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OF WEEKLY TRAINING
1. Brings Credibility – We have different team members taking turns at teaching a topic. Many times their talk comes from a recent experience of trouble shooting, or some field experience, and they figure something new out. This creates and builds mutual respect for each other. 2. The Teacher is Learning – A topic is chosen, along with equipment and tools, and a brief lesson is prepared. That process alone is valuable, and when presenting to the group, a fellow employee could ask a question that the instructor has not even considered. 3. Nomenclature – By discussing tools and parts each week, we reinforce proper nomenclature and general terms. This allows technicians to communicate clearly and receive support over the radio while on a job. 4. Increases Morale – Generally, we all prefer to have training before we tackle a job. Telling a customer we have the best technicians is one thing, but for technicians to know they are the best means even more. 5. Retain the Info – A 10- to 15-minute presentation once a week is easier to learn and apply than a longer session. |
We all talk about training, know it is important and believe in the return on investment that it brings. Yet we find it difficult to accomplish with a systematic program. Well, here is how we do it …
We bring all new hires through a six-week training program. Our daily routine begins with observing and assisting crews re-stock and prepare trucks and equipment. The next 15 to 30 minutes is for watching a technical video. The third step is for hands-on learning with a supervisor to reinforce the topics covered on the tape. The remainder of the day is spent with a crew.
The center of our technical training is our "Tech Table."
The "Table" as we call it, is more of a wall, 20 feet long and 8 feet high, built with a bench, 120-volt power on separate breakers with GFI’s. Most importantly, the Table is equipped with every controller and electric valve that we install or find in the field. In addition, we have rainsensors, flow meters, pumps with pump starts and pressure switches, remote control connectors and even a wind sensor. All of this equipment is wired in to run 24 hours a day allowing us to work on components exposed to the elements with actual wear. Spray and rotor heads are also on display.
The variety is especially beneficial for our Monday tech talks. For example, when training on wiring in master valves, the demonstration can be done with twenty-four controllers.
The Table is big enough for 10 to 12 technicians to work on a demonstration at the same time. Each lesson is so much more effective as we make an application and learn a concept.
The Tech Table doubles as a sales center, displaying equipment with various features and benefits for those customers who want to choose their own equipment. In addition, we sell our service and maintenance departments to customers who see our commitment to training.
We continue to realize benefits, and, most recently, used the Table to assist with hiring decisions since we can just walk out to the Table, hand an applicant a volt meter and ask him or her to diagnose a controller that has been prepared to challenge them. With this short exercise, we can hire someone based on strong aptitude and skill vs. a person who boasts of being able to do more than they can.
Finally, this Table has become the focal point, making training easier to accomplish, and it serves as a constant visual reminder that training is not only important, but it is also a journey we all need to be on.
The author is President of Treasure Coast Irrigation, Hobe Sound, Fla.
Online Exclusive:
The following is a copy of Treasure Coast Irrigation’s Training Checklist.
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TOPIC |
TECHNICIAN: |
TECHNICIAN: |
DATE |
VIDEO/ |
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COMPLETED |
COMPLETED |
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Chemical Tanks |
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Controller Installation |
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Controller Programming |
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Controller Trouble Shooting |
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Customer PR – Do’s & Don’ts |
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Electrical Basics |
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Head Adjustment |
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Head Setting |
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Head Spacing – Lifting Heads |
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Leak Detection |
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Multi-Meters |
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Paper Work |
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Plumbing and Priming Pumps |
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Pressure Switches |
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Pressure Tanks |
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Pump Diagnosis |
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Pump Start Systems |
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PVC – Cut & Glue |
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Rain Sensor – Troubleshooting, By-pass Switch |
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Remotes |
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Slip Fix – including larger sizes |
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Standard Transmissions |
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Sub-Panels |
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Tracking |
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Valve Adjustment |
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Valve Service – Solenoids, Diaphragms |
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Vehicle Maintenance |
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Wiring – Dri-splice |
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Other: |
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Other: |
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Other: |
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Other: |
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Other: |
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