Operator training: a step-by-step approach

This article describes how to identify operator training needs, define training program objectives, evaluate training methods, and select appropriate methods and technologies. Program planning considerations include operators' availability for and attitudes toward training programs, instruction methods and technologies, time constraints for completing training, and costs. The basic modes of instruction are classroom lectures and home-study or self-study programs. Work-related training programs include apprenticeships, internships, on-the-job training, and technical assistance. Instruction can be enhanced by the use of written training materials, videos, compact disks with read-only memory, interactive computers, and computer simulation games. Operator trainers and utility agencies need to evaluate each training program after it is completed; they should also develop a long-term strategy to evaluate the effectiveness of the overall training effort and to improve future training programs.