Archive for the ‘Training’ Category

Over 1 million baby boomers are retiring each year.  New talent is entering the workforce and employee development is becoming more critical, but the question remains “What is the best way to reach new talent?” The millennials are the biggest group entering the workforce and they are used to being able to access and learn online or with technology.  intRAtrain by Russell Associates has been an industry leader of online eLearning development for over 35 years.  We understood the importance of developing training with technology before technology was even the norm.  If you are looking to convert or develop eLearning for your organization, give us a call today.  Don’t be left behind any longer.

September 23rd, 2014

Can accidents be eliminated?

No Comments, Safety, Training, by admin.

There has always been a goal to eliminate accidents in manufacturing and in business workplace in general.  Numerous initiatives and strategies have been implemented, but the fact is accidents continue to occur.  We recently read an interesting article about General Electric’s new approach to workplace safety and found it very interesting.  I invite you to read more about it. http://ehstoday.com/safety/vpppa-2014-general-electric-future-safety-spelled-h-o-p?eid=forward It is interesting to note that they used a form of observation and data tracking to determine the critical points in their facility that needed attention.  Observation has long been used to attempt to change individual behaviors, but is now being used as a method of organization / procedural change.  GE identified the risks through the use of observations and inspections, used root cause analysis to solve the problem, then made changes to help solve the issue.  The ability to solve or reduce the problem area could have been a physical, mechanical, or training issue, but regardless of how the problem is solved the important fact is they found a way to make difference. One of our products, inspectiTRAC, assists organizations with observations, inspections and audits.  The results of the observations are available immediately for easy data access and response.  If trending data is important, data can also be monitored over a period of time to track and monitor concern areas.   Quicker response time means corrective actions can be implemented sooner, which is better for you, your employees, and your customers.

If you work in safety then the rules and regulations of OSHA are never far from your mind.  Each year OSHA issues thousands of citations.  Being prepared and aware of potential issues that you might face is one way to be prepared.  Another is knowing the areas that OSHA most often issues citations.  EHS magazine has posted a list of the Top 10 most issued citations.   Click here to view them. Another way to be prepared and prevent OSHA citations is by ensuring employees are properly trained.  There is safety training available for many topics including almost all of the top 10 citation areas.  If you are looking for safety training that is based on OSHA standards visit our website to learn more, http://www.intratrain.com/products/safety.  intRAtrain safety training is both information, interesting and a good value.

Every employee is different.  Each individual person has their own beliefs, ideals, and motivations for both work and life beyond work.  Because of the individuality of workers, it is often difficult to find methods and procedures that work for everyone.  Employees need to remember that they need to be flexible and adaptable and do the best they can. Employers need to remember that what works for one employee won’t work for all.  Employee training is one area where it is important to find a training solution that optimizes learning for everyone. If employees don’t feel like their employer is committed to develop their knowledge and job skills, they often can become unmotivated. We recently read an interesting article about how to motivate an under performing employee.  Click here to read the article. One way to help with under performance is to make sure that the employee is being trained in both the skill and knowledge areas they need to succeed at their job.  Because each employee is unique it is important to offer a variety of way to gain this knowledge. One solution is using a blended learning approach.  intRAtrain blended learning uses a blend of performance contracting, pre and post assessments, eLearning, classroom learning, practice and application and coaching.  Coaching feedback is important as it can be targeted directly to the employees unique set of needs.  To learn more about intRAtrain BLS and how it might help your organization get the most out of your employees visit http://www.intratrain.com/products/intratrain-lms.

June 27th, 2014

Did you know?

No Comments, intratrain Library, Training, by admin.

Did you know that intRAtrain by Russell Associates can provide training for almost all of your training and development needs? In addition to our custom development and safety catalogs, we offer a Library of courses designed to train you employees of computer skills, soft skills and much more.  intRAtrain Library is a collection of over 5,000 modules and videos, most produced by industry leader Skillsoft. According to Skillsoft research, 86% of learners who use Skillsoft modules are able to apply what they learn during the module on the job within six weeks.   If you are looking for a fast return for a small investment, intRAtrain library courses are a great resource to provide growth and development opportunities to your employees. Courses are available for a wide breadth and depth of topics! If you are looking to expand your training offering, are up for renewal on your current training subscription, or are just looking for a change give us a call.  We can offer the courses you need at a fair price, while providing top-notch customer service and support.

Have you ever wondered, “What exactly has my employee learned?”  We recently read in article in EHS Today about the importance on engagement in employee training.  The author of the article makes some very valid points about how engagement in the learning process is critical to the comprehension and retention of training. The premise of the article is how organizations need to optimize the time they have to engage with learners.  The proposed method is a form on blended learning that allows employees to use the practical skills they are learning in an on the job environment.  In the example discussed, the major component of this blended learning approach was on the job learning. Blended learning when designed correctly is optimal for everyone. One way to maximize blended learning is to include and interactive learning component. Interactive learning can take place in a classroom or via online eLearning. eLearning has the advantage of being available 24/7, while also allowing the learner to proceed at their own pace.  Additionally using eLearning ensures that every student receives the same message and that critical messages are delivered while also receiving reinforcement of skills throughout the module Another critical component of effective blended learning program is feedback coaching.  Coaching can be informal or formal, but regardless of how it is completed coaching is essential.  Coaching is the opportunity to build of strengths, to identify growth areas and to answer questions. Coaching is the component that allows you to answer the question, “What exactly has my employee learned?” If you…

Have you ever thought of implementing or moving to a mobile platform for manufacturing?  Food Manufacturing recently released an article about the benefits and risk of mobile access to manufacturing information. http://www.foodmanufacturing.com/articles/2014/03/benefits-and-risks-mobile-access-manufacturing-information?et_cid=3851010&et_rid=662086080&location=top The benefits of mobile access are real and documented.  If you are ready to implement a mobile solutions for your organizations inspections, audits and observationss or for your training needs, be sure to give us a shout.

Each year there are thousands of workplace injuries and accidents.  Thousands of accidents and injuries occur that could be prevented with a comprehensive safety plan that starts with making sure all employees are trained properly. Companies often worry about the added costs of employee training and supporting documentation, but if the cost means reduced accidents and injuries then the costs are easily recovered.  As we recently read in an article if you take chances with safety eventually the small safety accidents will turn into a larger safety accident that will could cost the companies millions of dollars.  How many times do you want to spin the roulette wheel with the safety for your employees and their safety? levitra brand discount A basic off-the-shelf comprehensive safety employee program can cost less than $80 dollars a year.  How many years can you spend $80 per employee for their safety training to make up for the cost of one catastrophic accident. The safety program can easily be improved and the risk reduced by including safety and behavior JSA/JHA based observations, paper-based or automated, inspection and audits to ensure and verity safety policies (paper-based or automated), and proactive incentive programs for employees.  Each adds an additional cost, but reaps an additional reward as well.  Safer Employees.  Improved Moral. Improved Safety Culture.  Better Bottom line.   And a reduced chance of you hitting the unlucky spot on the roulette wheel.

There is not a shortage of sales training and sales tools available today.  Each tool and training method has a unique set of differentiators that make it slightly different from the competition.  Regardless of the training that sales people receive, almost all products are unique enough that salespeople need to adjust and change during the sales cycle to meet the specific requirements and challenges faced. Sales had become even more complicated as consumers become more tech savvy.  It doesn’t matter if the purchase is for personal or business use, consumers have access to more information than they did just 5 years ago. We recently read an interesting article about some interesting strategies that might help you as you continue your sales journey.  The main points of the article are included below. Your #1 Competitor is your own prospect Prospects “think” they know exactly what they need “Commercial insight” is required to compete in today’s business world. Top Sellers proactively coach prospects through the purchase. So what does this mean for you?  It means that as a salesperson you always need to be aware and adapt to the changing dynamics of your specific sales cycle.  It also means that you need to continually find new ways to develop and learn.  If you aren’t continually striving to be better, then you are just allowing your competition to catch up and pass you. If you are looking for training and development opportunities, be sure to check out of intRAtrain library.  We have over 3,000 courses, simulations, and short…

Onboarding a new employee is often the most overlooked part of the hiring process, yet one of the most critical aspects.  It is important that new employees are informed and trained about all aspects of the organization that are critical to them being able to complete their job successfully and safely. New employees are not the only people who are often forgotten or left unprepared for their role.  What about “temp employees” that often fill some of the most difficult to fill roles?  Who ensures that they are informed and properly trained? What protections are in place to make sure they are not injured on the job?  Often the “temp agency” provides the basic safety training necessary, but who ensures that the location specific training is completed? We recently read an interesting article that compares the use of temp workers in many countries including the United States.  Some of the details are shocking. One way to make sure that no one is left behind is to ensure your organization has developed an employee onboarding process that makes sure no detail is missed.  Additionally, an employee Learning Management System (LMS) that includes temporary employees can manage the training curriculum, delivery, testing and reporting critical to the safety and health of all workers whether they be full-time, part-time, or temp.