Instructor Selection and Training

DOE-HDBK-1206-98

The conclusion includes the following elements:

Summary

Additional motivation

Documentation of Training.

3.3.3

Instructor Selection and Training

The credibility of a training program (and OJT programs in particular) depends on the quality of

the instructors. OJT instructors should be qualified to deliver on-the-job training and/or

conduct performance tests. The selection of OJT instructors is the responsibility of each

facility's line and training management; however, first-line supervisor and senior job

incumbents are the recommended first choices for OJT instructors. OJT instructors should be

trained and qualified in accordance with the guidance in the DOE Guide to Good Practices for

Training and Qualification of Instructors.

Several factors should be considered when selecting OJT instructors. OJT instructors should

be technically competent. They should have the skills necessary to train and evaluate

assigned trainees. Additional factors to be considered when selecting OJT instructors include

recognition of responsibilities, professionalism, maturity, judgment, integrity, safety awareness,

communication skills, personal standards of performance, and a commitment to quality.

The options normally available for selecting OJT instructors are the first-line supervisors and

senior job incumbents or an instructor from the training organization. The supervisors and

senior job incumbents are usually SMEs who supervise or perform the job. As such, they have

first-hand knowledge of the job. An instructor from training may well be an expert on training

but will typically not be as knowledgeable or proficient in the specifics of the job as an SME. It

is usually better to train the supervisor or senior incumbent to be an effective instructor than to

train the instructor to be a job expert. When OJT is conducted and evaluated using facility

equipment, the instructor must be qualified to perform the task.

OJT instructors should receive instructor training in advance to allow sufficient time to develop

instructor competency prior to working with trainees. When instructors have not yet attained

the required instructional qualifications or only instruct occasionally, training quality may be

maintained through mock training exercises and appropriate supervision and assistance.

All OJT instructors should be given the opportunity to enhance their technical competency and

instructional skills. Continuing training that is based on periodic instructor performance

evaluations should be provided to all qualified instructors. Instructor evaluations should

include direct observation by training and operations supervision during training sessions, and

should address technical competency, instructor skills, and overall effectiveness in facilitating

the trainee's achievement of the learning objectives. Both announced and unannounced

evaluations are appropriate.