26 BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Apprentices are industries – future-nurture the future !
By
Bo DeAngelo , master plumber and manager of technical training at Viega , USA [ First published in Plumber magazine September 2020 , edited by Rory Macnamara ]
If you ’ ve been in the trades for a while , you ’ ve probably been asked to take someone under your wing and teach them a skill , show them how to perform a particular task or even how to use a new piece of equipment .
Whether that is something you enjoy or do grudgingly , it is in the best interests of everyone — you , the appie , your employer and the customer — that you do it well . But doing a good job of instructing takes more than just saying , “ Here , watch me .”
Here are six things to keep in mind when you are passing along your hard-earned wisdom : 1 . Determine the best way to teach your appie Everyone learns differently . A lucky few only must see something demonstrated once to get it . Others can learn everything they need to know from verbal instructions . Some can pick it up from a manual . Others require a hands-on session In my experience , it is best to use a combination of visual , auditory , and kinesthetic instruction . There is no one right or wrong way , but it saves time and energy if you can determine how your trainee learns best . Do not be afraid to ask an appie how they pick up things fastest . They might not know exactly , but they should be able to give you a sense of what has worked best for them in the past . As you work together , you will see evidence of what method is having the most success . Of course , that works for the instructors , too . Some are more comfortable demonstrating something than offering instructions . Some prefer more of a textbook approach . Find a technique that works for both of you .
2 . Keep it simple When you are an expert at something it is easy to assume others know more than they do about that subject , whether it is the lingo ,
Assess your appie ’ s level of knowledge and be sure to teach at that level . basic techniques or other bits of knowledge you take for granted . Assess your appie ’ s level of knowledge and be sure to teach at that level . Remember that appies might be reluctant to ask questions or admit they do not know something for fear of looking stupid . Make sure they feel comfortable speaking up or asking you to explain something a second time . When in doubt , check in with the trainee frequently to see if they are following you .
3 . Give the “ why ,” not only the “ how ” It is not enough just to show someone how to do something . Explain the reason why it has been done that way , whether it is for efficiency , safety , or some other reason . The “ why ” usually comes after the appie has learned the basics . Knowing “ why ” will reinforce the correct approach and decrease the chances the appie will try to find a “ better ” way on their own .
4 . Use other sources You are instructing on the job so you do not have immediate access to a PowerPoint or manual , but the appie can and must learn in their off hours , as well . Encourage your appies to supplement the training you provide with other sources of knowledge , such as manufacturers ’ trainings , videos and manuals , trade associations and schools . Knowledge they gain on their own tends to stick with them .
5 . Push your trainee As your appie progresses , give them the opportunity to start solving problems on their own and putting to work the things you have taught them . This will let them see the payoff to all the training and encourage them to continue learning . Encourage critical thinking and problem solving .
6 . Be patient You were not born knowing how to install a hot-water geyser or snake a sewer line or plumb . Someone had to show you and correct your mistakes . Teaching someone else is a chance to repay the favour .
WiseGEEK
Keeping these steps in mind will help bring along the next generation of tradespeople and maybe even allow you to retire someday knowing you have given back to the trade that looked after you so well ..
About the Author Bo DeAngelo is a master plumber and manager of technical training at Viega . PA
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline January 2021 Volume 26 I Number 11