32 TRAINING & SKILLS
32 TRAINING & SKILLS
• “ We ’ re too busy to learn something new right now ”
• “ We just don ’ t have the money to pay for training ”
• “ We don ’ t need any training because we know what we ’ re doing ”
Let ’ s be up front here . Because training comes at a cost , you need to carefully source your training to ensure value for money as well as well as the quality of delivery . Poor quality training comes at a very high cost . However , not training either yourself or your colleagues also comes at a high cost .
Installers or technicians who feel inadequate , undervalued or unsupported are likely to underachieve and are generally unhappy . If they feel that they ’ re not appreciated or they aren ’ t satisfied with their work , this has the potential to encourage under-performance ; they might begin making mistakes , and not care about their workmanship . That costs the business , in lost time and money .
Invest in the best
By Chris Atkin MD , FIACert Coms Cabling Technical Trainer & Business Entrepreneur
www . totalcommstraining . com
Untrained installers cost you money with mistakes and inefficiencies potentially losing customers
Invest in your business The possibility exists that the quality of their installation work may be lower , of less value , and the end result could be that corners are cut . Plus someone who is untrained may take much longer to complete the installation , let alone test the cabling plant . It goes without saying that when an untrained installer or technician makes a mistake the site might have to be visited again . And who knows , the entire installation may have to be carried out again .
So there you have it , untrained installers / technicians ultimately cost you money – those mistakes and inefficiencies can also cause your business to lose customers . That ’ s the worst possible scenario , but it can and it does happen .
Training can have an immediate and easily measured effect . You can see that rectification visits are reduced , which of course is much better for you and your company because profit margins can be protected . Having a well-trained team means these new or enhanced skills can significantly improve the quality of the installation ; training at the very least can reduce mistakes , encourage much more confidence in your team , and create a better working environment . An investment in training and improving skills is an investment in your company . When everyone gets better , everyone wins . n
You ’ re just about to go on your annual holiday , bound for sunnier climes . Imagine you ’ re at the airport , and are given a choice between two different pilots : one is trained , the other pilot isn ’ t – which one would you choose ? But what if the untrained pilot was cheaper than the trained pilot ? You still wouldn ’ t do it !
This scenario is obviously unlikely , and yet so many installation companies simply don ’ t recognise the importance of training . If you pose the question to any manager about using or contracting unqualified installers , most if not all would say no . They always gravitate towards sub-contract qualified technicians . Here ’ s the reality : they ’ re more likely to employ under-qualified staff or sub-contractors . Of course , training costs money but let ’ s not forget that it ’ s also an investment in your business . Some of the common excuses not to train include :
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