- 1). Identify what knowledge and information is absolutely critical to the operation of a piece of equipment. Require new hires, even experienced new hires, to attend a training session about the particular equipment. Institute a test to ensure equipment operators understand the basic safety and operational requirements.
- 2). Encourage experienced employees to share their knowledge and take new employees under their wing. Studies show on-the-job training to be the most effective form of training. Foster an environment of openness that is not hostile to questions or comments from operators.
- 3). Establish a solid cross-training program that trains equipment operators in different departments or with machinery other than their primary responsibility.
- 4). Arrange seminar or meetings on various aspects of the equipment. Allow a senior operator or guest speaker to conduct the meeting. Hold periodic meetings, with each meeting involving different, in-depth aspects of a single part or function of a given piece of equipment. Hold the meetings directly in front of the equipment if possible.
- 5). Subscribe to industry publications. Purchase magazines catering to your facility's niche, such as manufacturing magazines, agricultural equipment magazines and machining magazines, and leave them in common areas for equipment operators to browse.
- 6). Encourage employees to pursue continued-education programs relevant to their careers, including formal degrees and machining classes. Pay for or subsidize part or all of the relevant training if the budget allows for it. Offer and publicize salary increases and other perks to equipment operators who complete further educational courses.
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