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Assessment tools prove the worth of training

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 21, 2003

Rockwell Automation has developed a new suite of skills assessment tools designed to maximise the benefits of its training courses.

Rockwell Automation has developed a new suite of skills assessment tools designed to maximise the benefits of training by measuring an engineer's skill levels before, during and after completion of the training course.

Consisting of a pre-training skills assessment, a performance log filled out during the course and a test on completion, the assessment tools allow the trainer to focus on gaps in the engineer's skills and so maximise the benefits of training.

They also provide the employer with an accurate picture of the actual skill levels of their engineers and the improvements resulting from the training course.

Historically, engineers came on a training course and received a certificate confirming they attended the course.

This approach however cannot guarantee to meet manufacturers' needs for a competent workforce to support their installed technologies.

Before undertaking one of the extensive range of Rockwell Automation training courses, every delegate will be given a pre-course skills assessment to establish their skill level on entering the course.

In addition to identifying any skills gaps the information provided will help the training instructor to tailor course pace and emphasis for each delegate.

The delegate performance log is optional on all company-specific and on-site courses.

Each training course is broken down into distinct modules and topic areas, each supported with lectures and exercises.

As the delegate completes each task, they will initial the task box on the delegate log confirming their understanding and ability to complete the task.

At the end of each module and topic area the training instructor will review the tasks with the delegate and confirm capability.

If the delegate is able to perform all the tasks in the topic area, the trainer will sign off the section in the delegate log.

Any module or topic area not signed off can be reviewed later during the course, but will only be signed off by the training instructor when the delegate demonstrates the ability to complete all tasks.

The post-course test, which is also optional, is an assessment of the delegate's skill level and comprehension at the completion of the course.

Test results will be forwarded directly to the employer upon grading providing the company with an immediate and measurable outcome of the training.

A key benefit of the assessment system is that any failure to understand a subject covered in the course is identified before the engineer returns to the factory and is unable to correct a fault covered in the training course.

BTec Accreditation is now also available on all PLC, SLC and ControlLogix maintenance courses and for a small additional fee this assessment can be given instead of the post-course test.

On passing, the delegate will be awarded 0.5 BTec units in programmable logic controller maintenance.

"These tools offer the company funding the training much greater visibility of the improvements in employees' skills resulting from training, and offer a measure of its value", says Rick Johnson, Training Capability Manager for Rockwell Automation.

"The aim is to provide fully transparent records and assessments of a delegate's skills, both for the delegate and the company".

Rockwell Automation is a leader in automation technology, with detailed knowledge and long experience of manufacturing industry.

It provides the full range of skills audits and training services covering industrial automation, manufacturing software and control systems.

Training can take place at its fully equipped training centres at Sutton Coldfield and Crewe, or at the customer's own site.

The company's training services are geared to improving the utilisation and performance of production systems, and are part of the company's overall strategy of helping customers build competitive edge and improve return on net assets.