In a recent presentation at Techsud 2023, Ronan Collins, discussed the importance of reviewing and improving training programs to meet the challenges posed by new technology and other industry developments. The presentation focused on addressing six key questions to guide the training initiatives.

The first question explored why a training program is needed, emphasizing the importance of productivity, skills enhancement, and fostering a learning culture within the organization. The speaker highlighted the need to bridge skill gaps and provided examples of job-specific and soft skills required for engineers.

The second question revolved around identifying the target audience for training. The speaker outlined the diverse range of roles within engineering and construction companies including management, office-based engineers, and site-based staff, underscoring the challenge of training individuals in different locations.

Next, the speaker delved into the question of which skills and technologies are necessary for staff members. They presented an extensive list of software applications used across various teams within the organization, emphasizing the need for mapping skill sets effectively.

The presentation then shifted to exploring new technologies that employees must be aware of, including BIM, virtual reality, common data environments, 4D simulations, drones, augmented reality, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. The speaker stressed the importance of upskilling staff in these areas to improve their productivity.

Addressing the issue of training effectiveness, the speaker argued against relying solely on traditional classroom training. Instead, they advocated for a broader range of solutions such as peer-to-peer learning, lunchtime sessions, video-based learning, and email communications. They emphasized the need for shorter, bite-sized training sessions that allow employees to quickly find solutions to specific problems.

The presentation also highlighted the value of internal knowledge sharing through mentoring and peer training. The speaker expressed the belief that internal expertise is more valuable than external training.

The speaker discussed the current training offerings, comprising over 75 courses annually, and proposed expanding the training framework to include a broader range of topics. They presented a training framework involving defining learning objectives, determining delivery styles, identifying the target audience, advertising the courses, gathering feedback, and continuously improving the training approach.

In conclusion, the presentation highlighted the importance of a comprehensive training program to enhance productivity, bridge skill gaps, and adapt to new technologies. The speaker emphasized the need for a learning culture within the organization and advocated for innovative training approaches to effectively upskill the diverse staff members.