There are many differences among how our members train new operators. This group of members discussed those differences and similarities.
The Center for Operator Performance (COP) completed a benchmarking of current operator training practices to better understand opportunities for improvement. The project was internally conducted by members, with representatives from eight companies over multiple sites. Detailed information was provided on various aspects of existing training: initial operator training, unit qualification training, advanced unit training, and training system structure. While almost everyone was generally happy with the product of their training programs (i.e., trained operators), wide variance exists in how it is achieved. Additional research was identified on (1) how to utilize new instructional technology, (2) what will the operator of the future be doing, and (3) creation of a common test to evaluate training programs across sites.
Ensuring that operators have the basic skill and knowledge to perform their job is a fundamental aspect of safe plant operation. The changing demographics in the workforce pool and increasing requirements for plant operators call into question whether current training programs are the best possible to maintain safe and efficient plant operation. The objective of this project is to benchmark the current industry best practices for initial operator training to better understand opportunities for improvement over the current practices.
How do we train the new generation of operators?
What is the current state of initial operator training across North America?
The process industries face two major challenges in preparing the workforce for the future. First, the pool of potential operators is significantly different than it was 25 years ago. The applicants are (1) more technologically savvy having come of age in the information age, (2) less mechanically inclined as a result of fewer opportunities to learn while growing up (e.g., cars with computer diagnostics, decline of family farms), and (3) the product of learning systems and methods that utilize the advances in computers and multi-media. Second, the requirements for safe and successful process operation have increased over the past few decades. Safety and environmental compliance have rightly taken prominence in plant operation. New skill sets and attitudes are needed to merge the increased regulatory emphasis with operation of plant hardware.
Tackling the two challenges may benefit from new approaches to operator training. To understand what might be needed, the current state of the industry with regard to initial operator training needs to be assessed. To improve upon current practices, we need a better understanding of those current practices. This enables identification of opportunities and gaps in current operator training for development of the training systems of the future.
This project will result in a document identifying the current state of initial operator training in our industries.