Issue 23 (March 2009)

Quarterly Newsletter on workforce process training

1. ESD Training Updates: ESD: An Introduction and ESD: Control
2. New course information: Ergonomics and Lead Hazard Control
3. Courses in development
4. Lean training in challenging times
5. Fifty Dollar reward inside this newsletter
6. Need information? Have a question? Here's how to contact us.

1. ESD Training Update: ESD: An Introduction and ESD Control

• New, updated versions of the two basic ESD training courses are released as of March 2009.
  • ESD: An Introduction introduces the basics.
  • ESD Control for Operators instructs on both personal and manufacturing controls.
• Remember that if you need to customize your ESD training to your ESD plan, the only course from any vendor that allows this flexibility is ESDA Principles of ESD Control For details, and to view a demo, please visit:
  http://www.automatedlearning.com/products/ESDAPrinciplesofESDControl.cfm
  • Updated in March, 2009.
• ALC offers 8 different titles to widely support your ESD training requirements.
  • www.automatedlearning.com/products/esd_index.cfm
    

2. New course information: Ergonomics and Lead Hazard Control

• Ergonomics in the Workplace
• Lead Hazard Control
  • Are you still using some components that contain lead? If so, this customizable course will help you provide your employees with required information related to the potential hazards and on your control measures.
• Current customers using LearnTech® LAN training: contact us for your updates.
• Reminder: Ask about our Eye Wash course - customized for your facility.
• Are there other titles you would like to see in LAN, Web, or DVD format?
  • Email your request to eabell@automatedlearning.com.
  • Ask about the advantages our partners realize when we develop new titles for them.
    

3. Courses in development

• Lockout/Tagout is in development.
• Target release date: Q3 2009.

4. Lean training in challenging times

You know that we provide training in various aspects of Lean. But can the training function itself apply these principles for increased efficiency?

I doubt you would argue that the "best" training is that which most quickly and appropriately addresses the need. "Best" is therefore very related to circumstances. When all of the factors and costs are added up, what will lead to the greatest profits in both the short and the long term. Factors involved include:

• Employee morale.
• Actual hard costs for space, materials, travel, guidance, admin, etc.
• Time off the job.
• Knowledge on the job.

This compact list implies attention to the quality of the training experience and the results gained. Not training might be the most expensive alternative when all the costs and results (both good and bad) are added up.

At ALC, we champion computer based training to support very specific training needs that include two factors.

• A learnable process where failure to adhere results in damage to health, product, or personal or business relations.
• A generic process that differs only slightly from company to company. Break down seemingly specific items such as ESD control or safety concerns and you will recognize fundamentals that everyone must know. ALC excels at teaching these fundamentals.
  

ALC has a track record of producing courses that deliver the same depth and breadth of content in about half the time of instructor-led-classes. With a workforce already trained in the basics, your formal classroom or small group training starts at a higher level and accomplishes many times the success as if you utilize precious group time to teach fundamentals. Your content experts focus on company specific training. Use this time to really engage your workforce and watch the positive results from blending training methods.

Design and Testing are huge issues. I have seen “10 question” paper tests where I could personally score 90% on content in which I am completely unfamiliar. These are tests used in corporations to measure learning. You would not want this level of understanding inside your workplace! ALC tests are all criterion referenced. We carefully design every aspect of our courses. We match the test questions and the teaching points to the objectives. Every stated objective is tested. Learning is made easy and testing is fair and real.

So where does the “Lean” part come in. Reduce the wastes inherent in much of traditional training. Every time a group gathers, there is excess waiting. Add up the collective minutes. Transportation is obvious. Time to learn is reduced with LearnTech training. Note that all of these reductions are measured in time. And time is money! You need your personnel on the job adding value to the company. Reduce waste by improving efficiency. Measure increases in terms of knowledge gained and retained, in improved morale from better understanding the fundamentals.

5. Fifty Dollar reward inside the newsletter.

Until April 17, 2009 ALC will discount by fifty dollars your purchase of any LearnTech® LAN or DVD purchase if you quote the code: Spring 2009.

6. Need information? Have a question?  Here's how to contact us.

Development Office
232 Herzberg Road, Suite 202
Kanata, ON
K2K 2A1

Administration Office
308 Sandhill Road
Kanata, ON
K2K 2V7

Phone: 613-599-9975 x 16
Toll Free: 866 263-9964
Fax: 613-271-0611

Do you have other suggestions to improve our newsletter?
Please direct any comments or requests to:

Evelyn Abell
VP, Marketing and Sales
Automated Learning Corporation
613 599-9975 x 16
eabell@automatedlearning.com
http://www.automatedlearning.com

This brief newsletter is published about 4 times annually.

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