Three Ways Investing In Training Pays You Back
Is training really worth the cost? It’s a question we hear often, and it’s a good one. Why spend money to take operators off the job and lose productive time in the process? The answer is simple: Because it works. Waste operations that invest in training have the results to prove it. Here are three ways they say it pays them back, plus some tips on getting the most from your training investment.
1. WELL-TRAINED OPERATORS MAKE YOU MORE MONEY
It’s no secret that the business we are in is an extremely competitive one. Most of the time, the lowest bid wins the contract. Today's equipment is designed to help you achieve the lowest cost per ton or cubic yard, but only if the people behind the controls know how to use it effectively.
That's true for new operators and seasoned pros alike. Today’s machines feature more advanced systems and technologies than ever. Operators at every experience level need to understand how their equipment works and how to run it efficiently and productively in specific applications.
That's where training comes in. An effective training program can teach your crew those best practices when it comes to machine operation.
Here is one example. One national waste company gathered operational data for a month prior to bringing in Cat experts for a 2 day training session with its operators. Some of these operators had more than 20 years on the job.
The result? Their next month’s data showed density jumping almost 12% from 1,418 pounds per cubic yard prior the training to 1,586 pounds per cubic yard after the training.
2. WELL-TRAINED OPERATORS SAVE YOU MORE MONEY
The jobs operators perform are tough on machines and equipment. Improper operation and maintenance can drive up your costs. You don’t want to spend money—or time—replacing tires, wheels and tips, or tracks before it’s absolutely necessary. Train them on operation and provide them with general maintenance instructions and tips.
3. WELL-TRAINED OPERATORS PUT SAFETY FIRST
Zero accidents and injuries are the goal in everyone in the industry. As a leader in your operation, you set the tone for safety on site by what you say—and more importantly—what you do.
Investing in a training program that emphasizes safe operation sends a clear message that you put your employees’ well-being first.
Operators trained to run equipment properly are less likely to cause accidents and experience injuries on the job. That means your team goes home safely every day and you get the added benefit of spending less on downtime, insurance premiums, machine and equipment damage.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Here’s some advice from waste operations on how to get the most out of your training investment:
- Look for programs that combine classroom and on-hands learning at your site, with trainers who specialize in the industry. Many applications will demand more than general equipment training. The team at Foley Equipment Service offers classes specific to industry applications as well as basic sessions for new operators and more advanced training to help seasoned operators continuously improve.
- Plan ahead so you’re prepared to take operators and equipment off the job during the training period. At Foley Equipment Service, our trainers do their best to plan around your schedule so you can keep production up.
- Follow up by keeping training topics top of mind with your operators. You’ll find good resources—in our article library here.
Whether your goal is to make more money, reduce expenses or run a safer operation, training can help.
Talk to your Foley Equipment Product Support Rep or reach out to us for training solutions for your teams here.