Training Programs. Any suggestions? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Crete Buster · 12-20-2007, 10:31 AM

Has anyone set up an internal training program to help develop members of your crew? We do a lot of concrete demolition and use saws and mini excavators on a regular basis. It seems to be tough to find quality people that can operate equipment and think through different scenarios that can pop up on a project. We need to find a way to create an enviroment to cultivate that. We are thinking of developing an official training program that can be taught by some of our top guys. (I know this may set us up to be used by guys to receive training and then quit to become our competition but the benefits may be worth it.) Any thoughts, suggestions or resources that anyone can point me to? Thanks and Merry Christmas.

coreylkh · 12-26-2007, 07:07 PM

My guess is that you aren't union. If you are a union contractor that should be covered by your local. I had to take all of OSHA classes and since I personally am not in the union so my local contractor's association directed me. If you are a large contractor you may just hire someone to do it for you every quarter. Again, contractor's association or chamber of commerce may help. If you are relatively small, I would just google what you're looking for and buy the video. It's alot cheaper then spending the $$$ to pay your expensive foremen to train others. It's pretty cheap and easy nowadays.

Mandrake · 12-27-2007, 08:09 AM

Any training you can offer is worth the risk of employees usiing it and then leaving. Start with safety if you haven't already. OSHA requires employers to train their employees. Lack of training (particularly HazCom) is one of the most common OSHA citations. Look into an OSHA 10-Hour course

Trade organizations and equipment suppliers often have videos and materials that can be very useful.

Best Wishes
Mandrake

Brickie · 12-27-2007, 10:15 PM

Anytime you set up any training program you run the risk of teaching your future competition. I'm family (4th generation) & Union trained, however, I happen to be a NON-Union contractor & Proud of it!

I would recommend Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC):

http://www.abc.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=1379

They do have training programs.

Crete Buster · 02-01-2008, 09:25 AM

Thanks for the input guys.