Welcome to the continuation of the importance of training. In this part, we will discuss the pros and cons of the different training approaches discussed in Part One. If you missed Part One, you can access it here: http://www.thesnellgroup.com/featured-tips/return-your-training-dollar-part-one

Of course each approach – vendor or independent training - has downsides also. With equipment vendor training the downside should be pretty obvious. You’re locked in to their brand. If you attend Brand X’s vibration training, they’re going to focus on the features of the Brand X instrument. Those features may limit the depth of the training, and often the representative conducting the training has in mind a goal of repeat sales of their product line; not necessarily a deeper understanding of the technology.

While the representative conducting the vendor training is probably an expert of their own instrument, he/she can be the best source for idiosyncrasies of their product. Showing what their system does well is important, but also important is what the system might not do all that well and providing tips and tricks (if they exist) to get around or mitigate those limitations. Independent training will typically do this.

With an independent training provider cost may be a downside. Training companies train for profit, so “free” isn’t an option for them. The additional expense of training can be a hard sell within an organization. Whether the initial equipment investment was low, for example a purchase of a lower end thermal imager for $2,000, or high like a $40K electric motor tester, the additional cost of a training course may seem like a waste when comparing the vendor’s free product. Many of us have in the past gone with a bargain brand product of some sort and learned to regret doing so. Cost, while a factor, should not be the only one you consider when making a decision.

The question of whether to invest in training is not one to be taken lightly. In the world of reliability, the deliverable for the technology is the discovery of discontinuities. Whether it’s vibration analysis, lube, oil, or IR the ROI comes from monitoring the condition of assets and discovering failure modes in their infancy to help reduce unscheduled downtime. It makes perfect sense that the process of discovery will be enhanced with deeper understanding of the technology being used as well as learning to use the device properly. The question then becomes the depth and breadth of the training required, and where best to receive. There are equipment vendors who undoubtedly provide an adequate training product. Conversely, there are vendor-training offerings that serve no other purpose than locking customers in to a brand.

If there’s a requirement within a reliability program to adhere to certification guidelines, the best choice might be an independent training organization. Both the American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have certification guidelines for reliability technologies. When choosing an independent training organization, your organization’s policy for certification might be the guide for deciding which provider to use.

When shopping around for training, ask questions about certification guidelines, course content and proficiency testing. These components make a big difference when it comes to compliance with certification guidelines. You may also want to inquire if the training is hands-on because many of us find that to be the preferred method of learning. If needed, get quotes from past customers and be aware that anyone can make up non-specific quotes from “Jim in Georgia.” Searching the internet will yield results, but be careful, as not all training organizations are equal and up to the task. Do your research. Due diligence will pay off here.

Take a broad look at your needs, then choose wisely. Whichever route you take, your commitment to learning is the key to the amount of return on investment you realize for your training dollar.