Effective On the Job Training

Recently, I completed my recertification for Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP) under the Tree Care Industry Association. Due to the pandemic the training had to be done virtually. Although the system did have the usual first-time hiccups, the content was engaging and confirmed that I need to continually improve how our employees are trained. The exam was focused on the American National Standards for Arboricultural Operations Safety Requirements ANSI Z133 and how to effectively train using on the job techniques.

My first realization was that I needed to prepare more for the training session to make it as effective as it needed to be. Too often we train employees without first properly identifying the possible areas of difficulty and checking for the learning and performance of a skill. Just as important is the follow up to see how the performance of the skill was implemented into daily operations.

To set up a training session, we first need to know what the learners know and what the specific objectives of the session are. From there the training must be tailored to demonstrate the tasks and skills needed to practice. It is highly recommended to get feedback from others on your team or experts in the field regarding best practices.

On the day of training we need to start off with telling the learners what they will do, how, and why. A demonstration and practice should be set up. It is important to learn from seeing, listening, and doing. Open questions should be asked, and we should let the learner talk at least 50% of the time to ensure they are engaged in the activity. Observe and provide feedback.

Make sure that you provide special considerations to address issues that may arise during live training. At the end of the training ask what was learned and how they would implement it. The next important step is to follow up as to how they have applied what they learned in real world situations.

The final step of the training is to analyze your own ability to do the training. How did the employees feel about the training? What went well and what could be improved? The million-dollar question at the end of all the training is, were the results worth the effort?

Better trained employees are more productive, have less accidents, stay with your company longer, and can accomplish more tasks with less supervision. Your return on investment of effective on the job training of employees is outstanding.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy. – Luis Casas, SFV Chapter President