Posted to News on 2nd Jan 2009, 10:51
Why customised training courses are more cost-effective
Martin Palmer of Pilz Automation Technology explains the benefits of customised training courses and how they can be more cost-effective than standard courses.
Training is all about improving trainees' knowledge and skills, but individuals can have diverse competences and training needs. While standard training courses remain extremely useful in many circumstances, companies and training managers are increasingly finding that exceptional value can be obtained from bespoke training courses such as those offered by Pilz Automation Technology.
Standard courses from Pilz include programmes approved by City & Guilds (C&G) and IOSH (the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health). Approximately half of the courses focus on standards and regulations relating to machinery safety and general workplace health and safety, while the remainder concentrate on the design, operation and maintenance of systems utilising Pilz products for machinery safety.
Courses can also be tailored to meet the needs of the trainees by picking and mixing topics from standard courses. This avoids paying for training in subjects that are already well understood, plus it means that additional material can be inserted to suit the specific needs of the trainees.
Location
Pilz is also flexible in that courses can be run at its own training facilities in Corby, Northamptonshire, where there are state-of-the-art training rooms for both theoretical and practical sessions, or at customers' premises or convenient off-site locations such as hotels.
If several days' worth of training are required, it may be difficult for a company to release personnel for the necessary duration. If so, Pilz can tailor the course so that it is delivered as a series of modules spread over a convenient timeframe.
Whatever route is taken towards the delivery of a bespoke training course, customers can be confident that the quality will be of the highest standard. Pilz Automation Technology has been assessed and recognised as a City & Guilds Approved Centre for training. In order to gain Centre approval, the company underwent a thorough audit by City & Guilds, which was passed comfortably. This audit covered all aspects of the management of training, such as the quality assurance system, the scheme to ensure consistency of marking, presentation quality and internal auditing procedures. Pilz applies the same high standards to all of its training courses, whether they are C&G courses, standard Pilz courses or bespoke courses.
Lastly, it has to be remembered that bespoke courses benefit individuals by improving their competences. Similarly, companies sending staff on training courses gain from the improved knowledge of their personnel and the increased overall competence of the company. Furthermore, providing staff with the right knowledge and skills enables operational efficiency to be raised while also helping to ensure compliance with current safety legislation and regulations.
