EHRC recently developed  a new  standard and essentials skills profile for a critical role in our industry -  trainers. As we see new hires increase and progression through the ranks, the role of training is front and centre to ensure continuity of service and high standards for all utilities. .  In this newsletter, we would like to examine two of the recommendations that emerged from both the research and the industry steering committee who led this initiative:

Development of a Resource Toolkit

Throughout the research process, numerous trainers and training managers (particularly those from small organizations and/or organizations just starting to offer training internally) indicated that it can be challenging (from both monetary and human resource standpoints) to develop procedures, documents and processes for various levels of the training cycle.

Just as project stakeholders explained that the role of Industry Trainer is unique to electricity, so too was it explained that aspects of the training cycle (although commonly accepted) are also unique to the sector. In particular, the realities and constraints placed upon the training function within an organization depends not only on size (small, medium or large enterprise) but also the structure of the internal training capacity (e.g., if there is a dedicated training department, number of resources dedicated to training, etc.). Project participants indicated that while there may be a wealth of generic training resources available on the internet, training personnel (inclusive of trainers, training managers, HR managers, etc.) do not have the time to source, assess and adapt the plethora of resources available to meet their individual needs. Instead, they require resources - in the form of templates, benchmarks, models and outlines - for the various levels of the training cycle to guide their practice. These resources, being industry-specific, will elaborate upon the unique requirements that the industry poses for training. Special considerations, including the various stakeholder groups impacted by the training initiative, the health and safety implications of effective training and the consequence of potential training error, as well as other aspects that make industry training unique, will be considered for the development of each tool and resource.

Development of a Train-the-Trainer Program

Previous and current research indicates that many Industry Trainers become trainers after having worked in the field as qualified journeypersons. While these individuals often have years of technical experience, some new trainers are not provided with any training or education regarding how to be a trainer. Knowledge and skills in the area of adult learning, training methodologies, effective communication and learning management are critical for industry trainers; however, many project participants indicated that they did not receive this training prior to beginning their training careers. While continuous learning is imperative for trainers, a Train-the-Trainer program would be a highly useful method for gaining foundational knowledge and skill upon which the trainer can build throughout his/her career.

While there are numerous Train-the-Trainer programs already in existence, many industry stakeholders suggested that Industry Trainers require unique skills and knowledge that differ from other trainers. As such, they require specialized training to hone the specific training skills required for the industry. Training offered within the electricity sector is not strictly 'lecture style' training (i.e., training that is delivered by an instructor to a group of learners). Instead, industry training involves classroom training using various technologies (e.g., smart boards, simulators and computers) and lab- and field-work training (e.g., hands-on, practical instruction and training) on a range of subjects that are often technical, legislated and safety and compliance related. It is imperative that a Train-the-Trainer program for Industry Trainers provides guidance on how to develop and manage practical training exercises, how to ensure safety and compliance within the training and work setting, how to conduct objective and accurate assessments of competence to enhance safety records, and more. An effective Train-the-Trainer program will identify all of the characteristics that make an Industry Trainer unique and provide instruction and direction for trainers based on these characteristics.

EHRC is currently looking to engage in partnerships with industry stakeholders to address the recommendations resulting from the NOS - Industry Trainer project.  If your organization would like to participate, please contact us: info@electricityhr.ca