Instructor Selection and Training

DOE-STD-1012-92

The conclusion of the training is comprised of the following elements:

Summary

Additional motivation

Documentation of Training.

3.3.5 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 for each facility's line

and training management; however, recommended first choices for OJT instructors are the

first-line supervisor and senior job incumbents. OJT instructors should be trained and

qualified in accordance with the guidance recommended in the DOE Guide to Good Practices

for Training and Qualification of Instructors.

Several factors should be considered when selecting personnel to become OJT

instructors. OJT instructors should be technically competent. They should have the skills

necessary to train and evaluate assigned trainees. Another (and possibly the most important)

instructor quality is the desire to teach others. 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 department. The

supervisors and 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 about the specifics

of the job as a supervisor or senior incumbent in the job. In these two situations 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 actual 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.