Do you give an exam?

B

Beth & Rod

SR Wood Geek / Moderator
Hi all,
We put together some test questions to give to trainees before sending them out into the field. Now we're curious, does anyone else do it?

The thinking here is that it covers the basics, and the employee can't say you didn't teach them, and it will point out problem spots beforehand....hopefully.

Feedback???

Beth & Rod:) :)
 
Hi Beth,

Any chance of you posting your questions or sending them in Email. I would like to try them out and see how I would do.
Thank You
 
Alan

You took your test last Sunday Alan, and guess what, you passed. lol Would be cool if we can use your machine to draw chemicals next time though. :cool:
 
Sounds like a great idea. I would also like to take the test. any chance you could post it?

If/when i get employees i will probably put them through some kind of testing (or hazing) to make sure they are paying attention to their training.

Hey, i have another question. Do any of you encourage your employees to visit this board? Some may see this as an employee tool, while others may see a problem with employees learning alternate ways to get the job done. (example, some views on here may not be those of every company owner)

I'm just curious.
 
I'm not at the home office now. I'll post samples when it is done. (it's 4 pages, about 30 questions?)
It's sort of a rough draft right now. It's a combo of multiple choice, true/false, short essay, and true/false expalin your answer.

I think some of the questions are actually kind of humorous. Rod thinks some are pretty obvious. And they are, really. It's a combo that covers job skills, company policy, and customer service. Some of the questions would even throw up red flags for attitude problems I think.

Let me flesh it out some more.....

Beth
 
Beth, am not sure what the purpose of the exam might be. On the assumption that this is a pre-hiring exam, my thought is that you need to be very careful. In my prior career I learned that such exams need to be written in a way that insures no discrimination against a protected group. The issue becomes "how do I quality control to insure this occurs".

That said, it is probable in a smaller business that the value of the information gained by giving the exam is worth the (low) risk of having someone dispute.

I use an application, written with the above issue in mind, to help narrow down candidates. When I meet with them in person I take them through a series of verbal situations (including a math chemical mixing example) to get some added info.

Good luck.
 
No, it is a test to give to trainees prior to sending them out into the field, it is not to screen applicants. They are already employees. We want to gauge how the training is progressing.

First they go out with Rod. He shows them as much as he can based upon what's scheduled.

We have thought for some time it would be nice to be able to measure the readiness prior to sending themout on their own. This way, you may be able to spot areas that need further training or clarification, and perhaps avoid a problem or two. (all the standard newbie problems)

Beth:)
 
Beth

You have an Excellent idea.

I'm in the process of developing a Training Program for my employees. My main reason for this program is liability. This training program consist of a Safety orientation: The employee will be required to read a manual and take a test. Once the employee passes the test - I will have the employee inital and date a check list stating that he is aware of the safety hazards and will wear the safety protective gear required by company.

I want to develop correspondence manuals covering:
Operations
Equipment & Chemicals
Safety

These three manuals will be combined into an Employee Proficiency Guide.

Meaning this: The Guide will have different skill levels for all tasks that my business accomplishes - example log homes, decks. flat work, etc. I will have three levels for my employees:

Apprentice
Craftsman
Master Craftsman

too much writting to fully explain to you guys, so I stop here.

Real quick - how about a pre-start check list (attach to the equipment) required to be initial by employees before operating equipment-A Pre-Op Checklist. To ensure your employees are checking the oil, hours, etc. If you have a motor burn up - check the list to see who last check the oil.
 
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Real quick - how about a pre-start check list (attach to the equipment) required to be initial by employees before operating equipment-A Pre-Op Checklist. To ensure your employees are checking the oil, hours, etc. If you have a motor burn up - check the list to see who last check the oil.
Click to expand...

Love it!

Also... check-out, check-in sheets showing what equipment was taken on a job, what was brought back FROM the job, and verified to be in good and working condition after the job. ;)

Beth
 
exactly

you gave me an idea


Pre-OP Check List & a Post-Op Check List



Lets face it - Employees do not care about your equipment and business as much as you do.



**Another idea - Have you ever been on a job and your equipment breaks down. Key word - Prevenative Maintenance.

Create a Maintenace schedule based on hours. Example - say a spark plug will last approx. 50hrs (just an example - I have not research how long a spark plug last) Why not change it at 45hrs. Create a maintenance schedule where you change filter, spark plug, oil, etc ever so many hours. Schedule inspections, annual checks, etc. I was an Operation Manager in the Air Force in Aircraft maintenance - the USAF did this with all equipment, aircrafts, etc - called Prevenative Maintenance. I guess when your on your way to Iraq, the last thing you need is a clogged fuel filter or engine low on oil. Although, I have been on jobs where my machine shutting down cause me a lot of man-hours costing me money. Just an idea.
 
Beth, please let Rod know there is no such thing as common sense for a person starting in a new field. I worked years ago for a concrete company and this particular job we poured wall foundations. I told the new guy to mix up a batch of cement and fill in all the holes. Now, this to me was common sense. Filling in the holes the metal latches made after we knocked them off. Well, after he started to mix his second bag, keep in mind this should have only taken a 1/4 bag at the most, I asked him if there was anything wrong. Just then I looked down at the job and saw he filled in the "holes" where the windows were to be installed. I was not specific in what I said, I guess now there are two lessons, be specific and don't count on common sense. But, I really love the test idea. I would also like to take a stab at it.
 
Michael Cappa said:
Beth, please let Rod know there is no such thing as common sense for a person starting in a new field. I worked years ago for a concrete company and this particular job we poured wall foundations. I told the new guy to mix up a batch of cement and fill in all the holes. Now, this to me was common sense. Filling in the holes the metal latches made after we knocked them off. Well, after he started to mix his second bag, keep in mind this should have only taken a 1/4 bag at the most, I asked him if there was anything wrong. Just then I looked down at the job and saw he filled in the "holes" where the windows were to be installed. I was not specific in what I said, I guess now there are two lessons, be specific and don't count on common sense. But, I really love the test idea. I would also like to take a stab at it. One of the best decisions I made this semester was to order an essay online. Not only did it save me valuable time, but it also provided me medical residency personal statement services with a well-written piece that exceeded my expectations. It's a relief to have a reliable source to turn to whenever I need academic assistance
Click to expand...
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