An interesting statement expressed time after time by oh so many HTM professionals. “When will I receive training”? “They have not trained me at all” Everybody else gets training! ”Training is promised but never happens” The message is a common one and can be interpreted in so many ways.
So why is this “need –desire” for training such a constant battle cry that sounds out across probably any industry? Well, first let’s define what “training” is and what it means. I flipped through the pages of my trusty pocket Webster’s Dictionary and here is what they say;
train·ing
noun ˈtrā-niŋ
: a process by which someone is taught the skills that are needed for an art, profession, or job
Okay, so now we have a definition that answers the question and brings clarity to this “want”. Right? Well, probably not that easy. The definition states a “process” occurs that teaches someone the skills needed. What is the process? That is probably subject to interpretation but in my opinion the “process” can be attained or acquired in several ways. In-servicing, on the job training (OJT), networking among peers and of course formalized training from a manufacturer school or alternative source that provides specialized training programs. All are good, provide knowledge and can enable the development of skill sets needed around a particular task or expertise. Pretty simple solution – not necessarily. This is where that friction point of “I want training” really burns red hot.
Justifying training first requires developing a service plan including measurable goals. A plan without measurable goals and identified deliverables cannot justify or support training that one may believe is needed. Training is not an entitlement. It is a business decision as well as a part of a career development ladder. They both work in parallel of each other in the planning exercise of any viable service plan.
So let’s revisit this “service training battle cry” so commonly heard and ask yourself some very pointed questions. When you Mr. or Ms. HTM professional ask to be trained have you presented a viable business plan or proposal stating objectives and measurable deliverables that will be realized from the acquired training? A plan that clearly shows financial value achieved, equipment uptime maximized and development of career ladder for those being trained? The secret to your success is in presenting to the decision makers the many advantages that will be achieved and can be measured!