Dr. Beth Blickensderfer and Dr. Kelly Neville of Embrey-Riddle Aeronautical University conducted in this pilot a general assessment of training in process control versus other high-risk industries. Interviews were conducted at one paper mill and one refinery. Opportunities were identified in (1) increased understanding of the science of training, (2) increased emphasis on team training, and (3) use of new training strategies.
The purpose of the current project is to begin work to help ensure effective training programs are in place to help manage turnover by training in the most efficient manner for console operators.
How to design and deliver training in the most efficient manner for a particular task?
Consider, for example, one company with two refineries which are using disparate approaches to train the console operators. How are these different? What is working? Where are possible weaknesses? What can we learn from examining these two different training programs that will help us better understand console operator training and will transfer to other organizations?
The console operators work in a complex environment monitoring multiple sources of information, synthesizing information, and making decisions. As in any organization where humans perform complex tasks in a high stakes environment, effective training is crucial, yet questions likely exist regarding how to design and deliver training in the most efficient manner for that particular task.
The training program analysis will involve identifying the elements of each training program, their intended goals and benefits, and evidence the organization uses to evaluate their effectiveness, including informal forms of evidence. This portion of the analysis will help us gain an understanding of each organization’s training priorities, resources, philosophies, and culture.
Recommendations for future training initiatives including training strategies which would be consistent with both expertise research and the organizational culture and priorities