"What if you get run over by a bus"

[Jay_T]

Today I was given the task of trainning someone to do the “software” side of my job. The timeframe one year. I currently work with Tridium Branded “X” and Lon based controllers. I also have sites with different types of integrations of different Lon, BacNet, Modbus, and N2 devices. A mix of new constructions jobs, retrofits for energy savings and updates. A few systems not installed by us, but I modified logic and sequences for customers needs. Typical commercial buildings & schools, boiler plant, chillers, VAV, FCU, etc. A few process systems and critical areas. Some hospital work. You know the mix. We are “indirect” meaning we are just sold parts and software with no tech support from Brand “X”. I rely on sleepless nights, drums of coffee, the sheer power of curiosity, and of course you guys to get through the challenges. The person selected for me to train has about 20 years in as a sheetmetal mechanic and fabricator. He is also a certified balancer. He is a good guy but I am not sure he knows how to use a voltmeter or read a wiring diagram. No big deal, neither did I when I started. It is all a learned skill set. It has taken me 15 years mixed with a few in service, and weeks (probably months) worth of different training and certification classes to get me to today. Right now there is no commitment on any type of outside structured training or certifications, just OTJ. I have to put together agenda for this training. Where would you begin? Thoughts on this? Can this be done successfully in the given timeframe?

[air1]

Make sure you let him drive with you guiding. If he stands behind you looking over your shoulder watching you work, he won't absorb anything. Start with the 10,000 ft view and then work your way down into the specifics. Once he has some of the basics down start assigning him simple task to do on his own with you mentoring him. He won't learn anything if you do all the work for him.
I don't think one year is enough. I would think it would take at least 2 years to develop core competency. And that's with a structured training path.
Good luck.

[klrogers]

It all depends on the guy, he has to be motivated to learn, or rather he needs the passion to succeed in the controls world. Unfortunately if he is not upto the task, it may be you that gets the "blame" for his failure.

Kevin

[xarralu]

I will be very surprised if he will be up to speed in one year! He's got one thing going for him though being an ex-balancer. If he is TAB certified that means he knows how the system as a whole is supposed to work, and he should know how to use a volt meter. I remember when I first made the switch and seeing what all was involved. SO, SO much more involved than I originally thought, it was somewhat overwhelming. I would set some minimum goals for him and put him on some kind of probationary period. You'll find out pretty quick if he's got the hook in him or not.

[WillyTech]

I tell the new guys that it takes 2 years to feel comfortable enough to spread their wings.

[orion242]

1 year for training and the guy is not up to speed with wiring diagrams......I think your higher ups need a reality check.

[joey791]

The Boss "what if you get hit by a bus"

Me "Heres a list of guys on HVAC-Talk I would recommend"

[exwtk]

i can tell you right now that you were given the wrong candidate !!

The successful, candidate, will spent thousands of hours of personal, unpaid time trying to learn the trade on his own and will use you, his mentor, only in case he gets stuck and needs to know which way to go.

Anyone who has to be spoon fed to this trade will fail very quickly once on his own !!

[MaxBurn]

i can tell you right now that you were given the wrong candidate !!

The successful, candidate, will spent thousands of hours of personal, unpaid time trying to learn the trade on his own and will use you, his mentor, only in case he gets stuck and needs to know which way to go.

Anyone who has to be spoon fed to this trade will fail very quickly once on his own !!

My thoughts and feelings exactly. The learning curve on this stuff is more like cliff climbing, sometimes you go up and backwards at the same time.

[Jay_T]

Thanks guys for your input so far. The 10,000 foot view is a different way of starting. In the past, the training and mentoring I have been involved in always started at the bottom with install basics and up from there. It has always been hard for me when things start coming off the rails and deadline are coming up fast to not just grab the wheel and drive. I guess it was about 2-3 years before they would “turn out”, but that included structured training in-house and offsite. A point I tried to make to everyone involved is getting someone to do what I do is a matter of time, commitment, and passion. I believe it is a career change, a new trade. At least if the goal is to do my job and not just understand controls. Another concern is resources both in-house and external were not consulted before this got rolling or even thrown out on the table. We may not be dealing with reality on reality’s terms here.

[CountryBumpkin]

I agree that letting him get is hands on this stuff is the best approach. I remember when I was in training, the guy that trained me just wanted me to sit over his shoulder and watch and I would get so bored that I would start getting sleepy and would have to get up and walk around to stay awake but when he started letting me drive is when I really started to learn. I also think it is a good idea to let him spend a few weeks on a construction site helping guys pull wire so that he can get a feel of how the wiring is done because there is nothing worse than facing a communications issue and not knowing how these things are wired up. All that being said it is also going to take some initiative on his part, controls is not a 8hr a day job, it is a 24hr 7 days a week job. When I was training someone I would let them drive up until I realized I better get in there if we wanted to go home on time that day.

[controlgeek]

Wow training? My first day I was given some books, an ancient laptop and a set of drawings with an address.

[simsd]

Ask yourself one question:

Given the opportunity to hire other candidates, would hire this person. Unfortunately you're not sellin' me on this one. With that in mind, you can only do so much as the rest will be up to him.

[simux]

When it applies to Control Technicians I always use the 80 - 20 rule. In my experience only 20% of the people who try to make it in controls have the desire. It takes a smart, driven, obsessive, and motivated person who hates to be defeated. The type of person who feels like the real learning starts after they get off work. The person who has a complete mock control system in their garage. Someone who reads multiple books on motors and motor controls, electrical fundamentals, refigeration, boilers, etc...Someone who reads HVAC-TALK

[bdivell]

When it applies to Control Technicians I always use the 80 - 20 rule. In my experience only 20% of the people who try to make it in controls have the desire. It takes a smart, driven, obsessive, and motivated person who hates to be defeated. The type of person who feels like the real learning starts after they get off work. The person who has a complete mock control system in their garage. Someone who reads multiple books on motors and motor controls, electrical fundamentals, refigeration, boilers, etc...Someone who reads HVAC-TALK

Couldn't have said it better !!!

[Jay_T]

Thanks for the input guys, it confirms why my eye began twitching and the tightness in my chest after the meeting.

[viceman]

at least you got a guy to carry your stuff around

[simux]

Totally understand the eye twitch and chest pains. I've been told that were going to give you some bodies to install control systems. Then they expect that these newbies are going to automatically make you more productive. "Well you have two more guys so you should be getting twice as much work done now." You'll never be able to explain how long it takes to train a controls guy?????

[Chris_Worthington]

Totally understand the eye twitch and chest pains. I've been told that were going to give you some bodies to install control systems. Then they expect that these newbies are going to automatically make you more productive. "Well you have two more guys so you should be getting twice as much work done now." You'll never be able to explain how long it takes to train a controls guy?????

When asked "How long is this gonna take?" I always answer with it depends on what your giving me this time

[hvac69]

I would rather be ran over by the bus some days. I am thinking it would hurt less.