Training that works.  At the Construction Mastery Institute we use a system called E-TIC for our programs.  The “E”–stands for Engineering, “T” for Training, “I” for Instruction and “C” for Coaching.  If you design your programs with E-TIC in mind you will increase worker productivity and employee satisfaction.

ENGINEERING:

To designing a successful training, start by ENGINEERING a training solution that works.  Training without a goal leads to worker frustration, inefficiencies and lack of production.  On the other hand, a training program that is Engineered to increase productivity can bring smiles to the workforce and management alike.

In order to Engineer a Program, start with the end in mind.  What are the major goals you want to accomplish?  Or better yet, determine programs specifically meant to increase productivity for your Estimators, Superintendents, Project Managers and Project Engineers.  Engineer a solution with input from your front line managers.  After all, they probably understand the demands of the client, industry pressures and the needs of the employees.  Just think if you could bottle all of the “best practices” from your most productive teams and train the entire organization.  You would see the savings drop straight to the bottom line.

Once learning objectives are established, the development of the TRAINING can begin.  Traditional classroom training still has its place, but with the pressures for cost savings, most companies are turning to on-line training.  Over the last several years, computer software, hardware and internet bandwidth have come together to support high quality on-line training.  On-line training is convenient, cost effective and auditable.  This combination puts on-line training at the top of the list for most companies.  We are seeing the numbers growing of learners and companies who appreciate the benefits for on-line training.  In fact according to a 2009 meta study from the Department of Education: “Students who took all or part of their class online performed better, on average, than those taking the same course through traditional face-to-face instruction.” Students who mix online learning with traditional coursework (i.e. blended learning) do even better.

TRAINING:

The TRAINING portion of E-TIC is used for basic blocking and tackling skills necessary to perform the tasks outlined in the ENGINEERING phase of the training.  Utilizing on-line training for this, frees up trainers and managers so they can produce for the company while learners can accomplish the course objectives at their own pace.  The eCourses are engaging and interactive and include a test that is graded by the system to ensure learner competency.  A certificate is also automatically issued to the learner to prove completion and competency to their supervisor.

INSTRUCTION:

INSTRUCTION is done to demonstrate the skills necessary to perform the tasks.  This can be accomplished one-on-one, in a classroom environment or via a webinar, where the Subject Matter Expert (SME) can login and instruct the learners utilizing live webinar style training methods.  Learners can ask questions as the SME instructs and demonstrates the necessary skills.   The session can also be recorded so the learners can refer back to the instruction at a later date to ensure a mastery of the subject.

COACHING:

COACHING is the last component to the E-TIC system.  Coaching is done in person with the learner by a supervisor or mentor.  The coach/mentor observes the learner/employee and provides feed-back to increase skills and overall worker productivity.

Next time you consider a training program, remember to consider the E-TIC system.  We’ve found that this approach is the most efficient formula for Managers and Subject Matter Experts and provides the training necessary to increase worker productivity.  Contact the Construction Mastery Institute to discuss affordable, convenient and auditable construction training courses and programs www.constructionmastery.com