My three Techs

I really do not have three Techs, but it sounded good. We have over 30 Techs here on site and while some (read few) are top notch, most are just average or below average. We have a very technically challenging system, it is fully automated and could run most of the time without human intervention (if properly maintained). We need Techs to keep the system running when things go wrong and for preventive maintenance. Most of the work is pretty mundane and simple, but we do have moments where a deep understanding of the system is required.

Our vehicles are automated in the fullest sense of the word. We have no drivers, doors open and close, and the vehicles keep track of where they are on the system. Our Control gives the vehicle a route and the systems does the rest. Even in alternate service (deviating from regular service patterns) the system will manage vehicles and make announcements. So our Techs out on the system spend a lot of time waiting for something to happen (or answering questions). Unfortunately, the time is not used in a constructive manner learning more about the system but in skylarking or flirting with customers. Skylarking? Basically it means to stand around looking at the sky, or not doing anything. This brings us to our 'Training' program.

When we first started, we had a 'Training Overseer' that scheduled and managed any training on site. It worked well for the time, but was never fully realized. Now we have a 'Training Co-ordinator'. It seems to be a title that means: "A person who spends many hours typing on the computer, looses paperwork, and is never at work." sort of like our 'Safety' guy. This person was supposed to be a trainer is a past life, but should no signs of actually being able to train or learn for that matter. They spend their hours (when they are at work) bent over the keyboard feverishly vapor documents and printing volumes that leave thousands of baby trees missing their parents. The same person schedules you to train a class and never tells you until you don't show to teach or better, asks you when is a good time for a class then schedules it for the time you say is bad. The best training class I have ever attended here, was set up and scheduled without the knowledge of the 'Training' guy. Funny the 'Training' guy "works" for the 'Safety' guy. Is there a connection here???

Our site has many opportunities for learning and advancement, the Techs pay the price for our current training program. Overall, our customer gets lack-luster service. It really is a pity, we had such potential.