RETA Breeze July-Aug 2024

look at the individual parts to see if the reason for failure can be determined, and then try to put it back together using the manufacturer manuals. This will help the trainee understand how things work. When working with someone, offer to help. Just remember, new workers, especially if new to the industry: Try not to get in the way! The fastest way to irritate the Trainer is running into the Trainee when trying to move around the job. Another good learning experience is when contractors are working on a piece of equipment. Ask them if you can watch. Take notes and ask questions when it will not interfere with the task being performed. Whereas the new operator is expected to learn as quickly as possible, the experienced operator should be expected to assist in facilitating the process. Just dumping a pile of books in front of the new operator and saying, “There you go!” can be counter- productive. While manuals are an important part of learning, having an experienced operator demonstrating, explaining, and making sure the new operator is performing the task correctly is vital to the smooth and safe progression of the new operator.

While the experienced operator may think that the newbie is asking too many questions or following them around too much, the new operator needs to learn. Observing and helping the veteran operator is one of the better options for learning. The veteran operator may wish to remember that they were once in the beginner’s shoes themselves! Everyone learns differently and at different rates, this should be considered during the training process. The experienced operator should share any tricks of the trade and other ‘secrets’ that will make the trainee’s and veteran’s life safer, easier, and more efficient. Keeping techniques and procedures to oneself and watching someone struggle and possibly hurt themselves or damage the equipment, is counterproductive and may cost the company a good operator. In the long run, withholding knowledge makes the experienced operator’s life more difficult because they will not have anyone willing and able to help them. The experienced operator should also keep an open mind and be willing to learn from the junior operator. Ultimately, the goal is to make everybody’s job safer, easier, and more productive.

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