This blog was first published in AED Magazine June 2024
Online training is not only essential for entry-level technicians but also serves as a valuable refresher for veteran techs.
Cliff Anderson
Client Solutions Manager
It’s a scenario all too familiar to dealers and OEMs: a technician arrives for hands-on or product-specific training, only to reveal a critical gap in their foundational knowledge, like how to use a multimeter.
The instructor backtracks, revisiting basic technical concepts to bring the technician up to speed.
This not only eats into valuable training time but also detracts from the experience of more advanced participants who were ready to dive into specialized topics.
More importantly, this reliance on reviewing basics limits the most precious resource in training: hands-on experience.
In response to the shortage of practical experience among technicians in fields such as electrical, hydraulics, and related systems, the importance of a well-designed Level 1 eLearning training program has become more critical than ever.
Online training is not only essential for entry-level technicians but also serves as a valuable refresher for veteran techs. Here are four key topics that should be covered in your online training program:
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- Online Coverage: Basic technical knowledge forms the foundation upon which more advanced skills are built. Concepts related to electrical systems, hydraulics, drivetrain, and other relevant systems can be effectively covered through eLearning modules.
- Importance: While Level 1 training is typically aimed at entry-level technicians, even veteran techs can benefit from refreshing these fundamental concepts.
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- Online Coverage and Hands-On Approach: Level 2 training should delve deeper into the theory of operation, providing a more in-depth understanding of how heavy machinery works and the various systems they employ. This can be achieved through a combination of eLearning modules and hands-on activities.
- Content: eLearning modules should cover machine familiarity, types of systems used, and an overview of components. Hands-on sessions complement online learning by allowing trainees to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
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- Online and Practical Application: Inexperienced technicians often struggle to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world troubleshooting scenarios. eLearning modules can help reinforce understanding by providing interactive exercises and simulations.
- Real-World Application: Trainees should have opportunities to apply what they have learned by studying schematics, identifying connectors on actual machines, and meeting with product support teams to review electrical systems. This hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing technicians for the challenges they’ll encounter in the field.
- Critical Thinking: Introduce a basic troubleshooting strategy early. Adopt a critical thinking path to root-cause analysis early in their learning path. Introduce linear steps like, defining the problem, planning your strategy, gathering information, analyzing your findings, and testing your conclusion. Teaching technicians to ask the right questions is cheaper than swapping parts.
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- Interactive eLearning: Utilize interactive elements in eLearning courses to replace some aspects of hands-on training. For example, students can learn about the components and functions of a multimeter through interactive simulations or video tutorials.
- Safety Considerations: eLearning provides a safe environment for trainees to learn and practice essential skills before working on live machinery. Interactive eLearning modules can simulate real-world scenarios without exposing technicians to unnecessary risks.
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- Keep it Concise: Limit eLearning modules to no more than 30 minutes to maintain engagement. For larger topics like electrical systems, break content into smaller, digestible modules.
- Interactive Engagement: Incorporate a mix of voiceovers, interactive exercises, simulations, and multimedia elements to keep learners engaged and motivated.
- Content Reusability: Maximize the efficiency of content creation by reusing assets and graphics across different training levels. Consistency in visuals and terminology aids comprehension and retention.
By implementing these strategies and topics in your Level 1 eLearning training program for heavy equipment technicians, you can effectively bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
This will prepare technicians for hands-on training and maximize your training return on investment.
Let us help you implement these strategies, and help your technicians bridge the gap. Email me at canderson@almoninc.com.
