There are many skills a student doesn’t obtain during the course of technical training that make him a productive addition to the workforce. After graduation, employers often must assume mentorship roles for entry-level technicians, guiding them through the ins and outs of the job.
TMC’s Professional Technician Development Committee discussed specific actions employers can take to ease the matriculation process for technicians joining the workforce during its annual meeting this week in Orlando, Fla.
“Courses not normally taught in technical school include managing cash flow and credit, the basics of budgeting, laws and ethics in the workplace, generating creative and innovative ideas and the foundations of effective thinking,” said Jimmy Mathis of FedEx. “Technicians need to understand how their individual choices impact your business budget and image. These are people who are going to work on your assets day in and day out. Give them training on how to generate new and innovative ideas.”
Mathis also recommended that employees create a new employee checklist to help both manager and technician keep track of the abundant paperwork and entry processes that must be completed.
“Watch out for information overload. Lots of things get thrown at technicians during the first few days on the job and matriculation frustration sets in,” warned Mathis.
Other committee suggestions included making an effort to get to know a little about a new hire’s interests and activities. Show new technicians the potential paths their careers might take and get them excited about having a future with your company. Also, cast the job in a positive light; don’t talk down the tasks beginning technicians often are assigned.
“We put a lot of money and advertising into getting people in the door, but what do you do with them once they arrive?” asked Mathis. “What process am I using to keep this person in my place of business? How can I make them successful?”
