Well-trained staff will minimize human error and increase the level of competencies, effectiveness and efficiency of the operations. Training ensures that competency levels for staff are maintained in accordance with the required provision of services. In some cases, increased training levels are also required for industry and governmental regulatory compliance, safety and security and other additional levels of professional compliance. Training often also leads to increased staff morale and supports career development.
Training plans should be developed by reviewing the required qualifications as dictated by code (e.g. trade licenses), service catalog, skills matrix, resource matrix, job description and career development plans. Training plans should be defined for every employee and reviewed on a regular basis and ideally as part of the performance appraisal process including sufficient budget allocations matching the planned training programs. Training could be organized in levels of capability required (e.g. professional, specialist, expert) depending on the size of the organization and (new) requirements for capabilities.
At a minimum, all staff should be trained in the following related to the job description:
1) Government and industry regulations and requirements.
2) Safety.
3) Security.
4) Code of ethics.
5) Emergency preparedness and response.
6) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
7) Maintenance Operating Procedures (MOPs).
8) Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs)
9) Soft skills.
10) Technical competences.
Training programs should be concluded with an assessment. Assessments should, by preference, be a written examination so that the results are unambiguous and others can review the results at a later date. Examination should be conducted in a manner so that the integrity and impartiality of the process and exam outcome is guaranteed, ideally by using an external examination body where feasible. Where practical, the written assessment can be complemented with an oral assessment, case study and/or practical demonstration of knowledge supervised by an individual familiar with the subject matter under scope.
