We are preparing an upcoming series that focuses on training new technicians entering the security field.
What are some key concepts trained when onboarding new installers?
These responsibilities usually include:
What other topics should be added? The goal is a guide of topics that members can give a new worker to get up to speed quickly.
Safety, safety, safety.
Electrical theory for dummies (as in, why are we doing what we're doing?)
Networking for dummies (same reasoning)
Good work habits (working clean, the importance of uniformity, leveling equipment)
Focusing lenses
Grounding equipment
Cable testing and certifying
Introduction to troubleshooting
Documenting work
Basic tool maintenance
This is funny but is kind of really needed at the same time. How to deal with angry customers who thought they were being sold item A and actually ended up buying item B. No matter where the fault lies it can be pretty stressful dealing with those situations.
I have to agree with the safety. I think that's the most important. Knowing your rights as a worker when it comes to safety regulations in your area. I can tell you as a younger person it is indimidating to have the senior guy look at you like some young punk for refusing to do something you feel is unsafe. I've even been called lazy a few times for doing so.
Safety should be the number one concern, with that comes following electrical/building code, and understanding WHY we have to/should follow it.
Troubleshooting skills have always been very high up on my list but it is a very difficult subject to teach.
From a sales perspective, looking across at service and installations who interact with my customers - the consistant steps for troubleshooting appears to be the most lacking. So often when something is not working, even the experienced techs start throwing darts, invariably missing the source of the problem.
I will toss my hat into that ring as well and agree with everybody above - troubleshooting skills are keys to the kingdom in any support role.
1. Isolate
2. Eliminate
3. Do 1 and 2 in a logical order.
When I used to hire new support techs, I started with just this - and told them to apply it to everything (they used to make fun of me by getting a lunch take-out menu and 'isolating and eliminating' all the things they didn't want to eat before arriving at the logical choice for a sandwich).
If new guys/girls can hang their hats on those 3 things to start with, the good techs separate themselves from the ones you don't want pretty quickly.
My gold advice: (-Warning - i am not really sucessfull yet.)
Take in order
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