Last year, at its training buyers breakfast held in Midrand, Gauteng, Rockwell Automation detailed several successes in the company's latest training initiatives.
The South African training division proved its value within the global group when it was announced that locally developed training material would be exported to Europe and the United States, in addition to the constant flow of training material generated by Rockwell Automation USA's 63 full time course developers.
"We are serious about providing relevant information and skills transfer to the automation industry," said Brett Spindler, CSP and training manager. "Our relatively young training department used its in-depth knowledge of the local drives market to contribute to our international pool of knowledge, underlining a strong commitment to providing relevant training.
"Rockwell Automation's commitment to meeting and bettering international standards means that overseas specialists are regularly flown in to keep local trainers at the forefront of new developments, as well as hone their actual training skills," he continued. "Conversely, local trainers are sent overseas for intensive exposure to newly developed products and technologies. In an effort to ensure that courses are kept practical and hands-on, as opposed to overly academic experiences that do not necessarily empower the participant in real terms, every trainer alternates between lecturing and three months of field service."
The mindset behind Rockwell Automation's approach to training was favourably received by the well attended conference, in particular the company's focus on listening to market requirements and catering to these specific needs. An example of such requests being met can be found in the structuring of training to be a team experience, with alternating sessions of theory, practice and discussion ensuring the optimum retention of attendees' attention.
"Another important aspect of the wide range of training services offered is that we pre-evaluate candidates to ensure that they are ready for a particular course," added Spindler. "The company also offers follow-up initiatives to ensure that knowledge is not lost as quickly as it was gained. This service extends to training needs assessments conducted to determine what kind of training a client may require. We even offer international training certification, where required."
Concluding the session with feedback from some of South Africa's largest industrial entities, Rockwell was complemented on its training programme, which was generally described as a process that delivered tangible results on the shop floor.
For more information contact Abraham Brooks, CSM Commercial Manager, Rockwell Automation, 011 654 9700, [email protected], www.ra.rockwell.com
| Tel: | +27 11 654 9700 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.rockwellautomation.co.za |
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