Online Training Projects
Online Training Projects
Initial Operator Training Program
Region: NPCC
A large utility in the NPCC region has customized their initial operator training using HSI courses. Using their Job Task Analysis, we worked with them to select introductory and simulation courses to prepare new hires for the system operations job. NERC Certification Exam Preparation online was incorporated to prepare students to take and pass the NERC certification exam.
Comprehensive NERC Certification Training Program
Region: RFC
Since 2015, a large utility in the RFC region has worked with HSI for all its NERC certification and CEH training. HSI provides comprehensive online and instructor-led training for all the utility’s operators. New hires begin with the initial operator training program, including NERC Certification Exam Preparation online and instructor-led courses. Once operators are certified, HSI provides online and instructor-led CEHs for them to maintain their certification. More than 170 operators have been trained through this program.
Distribution Initial Operator Training Program
Region: SERC
A large Distribution Provider in the SERC region was struggling with its distribution operator training. Students received training on company-specific equipment and procedures, but didn’t understand the concepts behind the tasks they were learning. The utility incorporated the HSI Distribution System Operations Overview and Fundamentals of System Protection courses into their overall training program. The utility now finds its operators have a better overall understanding of distribution system concepts and are better prepared for their roles in managing their distribution systems.
Custom Generation Training
Region: SERC
A Generation Owner in the SERC region asked HSI to develop a training program for its generation operators. Using select courses, we built a custom program including NERC certification Exam Preparation online for all new operators to take before becoming certified and sitting at the control room desk.
Streamline of Certification Process
Region: ERCOT
An ERCOT-based utility was struggling with administering the oral exams used as a final step to qualify as a plant operator. While the process was effective, it was cumbersome because it was managed manually. Utility HR personnel had to pull and rank questions from hundreds of documents provided by various plants.
The utility chose to invest in a tool HSI recommended to manage questions the same way, but digitally instead of manually.
HSI built operator tech exam banks for 26 different facilities totaling almost 10,000 questions. HSI also evaluated the question quality and quantity, providing feedback to the utility. The new digital database significantly frees up both HR and plant management’s time.
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Training Program Progression Planning
Region: ERCOT
HSI performed a job task analysis to determine tasks performed for each role. We do this by operating as utility employees when working on the program to ensure the client’s needs are met effectively and efficiently. Our team then developed training outlines for each position.
We worked with the utility to identify a strategy to develop training plans for plant employee core skills, supporting the advisory board’s goal of building core competencies for each job role at the plants. An employee’s career path would determine which courses they would take.
The gas powered plant fleet subscribed to the full HSI Industrial Skills library. HSI helped them identify and set up a new LMS to more efficiently assign and track the 500 plus courses in the HSI library. The utility planned to use the upgraded training to reinforce and improve worker skills and provide a clear career path. Unfortunately, the lack of an updated training plan hindered progress.
The project is now piloting with one plant. Once the pilot is complete, the program will expand to other plants.
