How can electric utilities improve their workforce development programs?
Workforce development is a critical challenge for electric utilities, especially in the face of rapid technological changes, aging infrastructure, and retiring workers. To ensure a skilled, diverse, and adaptable workforce, electric utilities need to invest in effective and innovative training and education programs. In this article, we will explore some of the best practices and emerging trends in workforce development for electric utilities, and how they can benefit both the employees and the customers.
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Thierry Julio Epassa- P.E. in Sixteen USA StatesElectrical Engineer Director || Arc Flash, Short Circuit, Electrical Studies, Relays, NERC||Wind, Solar|| US Federal…
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Alexander CoffmanSenior Engineer & Creator | Mentoring young professionals to increase productivity and develop professionally |…
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Thierry Julio Epassa- P.E. in Sixteen USA States
Electrical Engineer Director || Arc Flash, Short Circuit, Electrical Studies, Relays, NERC||Wind, Solar|| US Federal Security Clearance || Linkedin Newsletter Author|| OSHA, IEEE & NFPA 70E Expert
Send your workers to paid training help from manufacturers. There is a significant difference between training done by a third party vs. training done by a manufacturer. The materials provided by manufacturers during training are increasingly resourceful and could be used for the rest of the employee careers
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Alexander Coffman
Senior Engineer & Creator | Mentoring young professionals to increase productivity and develop professionally | Exploring emerging technology, economics, and policy solutions to the polycrisis
Implement mentorship programs pairing experienced workers with new hires. Also, offer continuous education opportunities in emerging technologies like smart grid systems. In my experience, hands-on training combined with mentorship significantly improves skill development.
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One of the key elements of a successful workforce development program is to align the training objectives with the strategic goals of the utility. This means identifying the current and future skills gaps, the competencies required for different roles, and the performance indicators to measure the outcomes. By aligning training with business goals, electric utilities can ensure that their workforce is prepared for the changing demands of the industry, and that their investments in training are aligned with their value proposition and customer satisfaction.
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Shantanusinh Parmar
Ion Propulsion engineer @ Infinity Space | Founder @EcliptaForge| Matching Membership Fellow @American Physical Society
Definetly providing training for hands-on tasks like utilities-handling will prove to be very helpful and productive in the near future of that employee's assignment.
Another way to improve workforce development programs is to leverage the power of technology and online platforms. Technology can enhance the learning experience, increase accessibility, and reduce costs. For example, electric utilities can use virtual reality, augmented reality, and simulations to create realistic and immersive scenarios for hands-on training. They can also use online platforms, such as learning management systems, webinars, podcasts, and e-books, to deliver flexible and personalized learning content. By leveraging technology and online platforms, electric utilities can provide their workforce with more options, convenience, and engagement.
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Shantanusinh Parmar
Ion Propulsion engineer @ Infinity Space | Founder @EcliptaForge| Matching Membership Fellow @American Physical Society
With the onset of MOOC courses, learning has become more de-centralized than ever. It is the best way to provide one's employees with the resources to learn new skills or hone their abilities in a technical field by the means of instructor-led or self-paced, courses created by experts in the industry.
A third way to improve workforce development programs is to foster a culture of learning and collaboration among the workforce. This means creating a supportive and inclusive environment, where employees are encouraged to learn from each other, share best practices, and seek feedback. It also means providing opportunities for mentoring, coaching, and peer-to-peer learning, as well as recognizing and rewarding achievements. By fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, electric utilities can enhance the motivation, retention, and performance of their workforce.
A fourth way to improve workforce development programs is to partner with external stakeholders, such as educational institutions, industry associations, and community organizations. These partnerships can help electric utilities access more resources, expertise, and networks, as well as expand their talent pool and diversity. For example, electric utilities can partner with universities, colleges, and vocational schools to develop curricula, offer internships, and recruit graduates. They can also partner with industry associations and community organizations to promote awareness, advocacy, and outreach for the electric utility sector.
A fifth way to improve workforce development programs is to incorporate sustainability and innovation into the training content and methods. This means exposing the workforce to the latest trends, technologies, and practices in the electric utility industry, such as renewable energy, smart grids, energy efficiency, and customer service. It also means encouraging the workforce to think creatively, solve problems, and embrace change. By incorporating sustainability and innovation, electric utilities can equip their workforce with the skills and mindset to adapt to the evolving needs of the customers and the environment.
A sixth way to improve workforce development programs is to evaluate and improve them continuously. This means collecting and analyzing data, such as feedback, surveys, tests, and metrics, to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of the training programs. It also means soliciting input from the workforce, the customers, and the stakeholders, to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. By evaluating and improving continuously, electric utilities can ensure that their workforce development programs are relevant, responsive, and results-oriented.
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