AMI Meter Installation Training: A continuing journey “We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey” Malcolm Jolly Team Leader, Innovation GippsTAFE Noel Sutcliffe Team Leader, Gas & Telecommunications
Background AMI meters are known as smart meters They measure usage at regular intervals Provide benefits for customers and suppliers
Specialised knowledge and skills Restricted entry requirements Entrants often not familiar with meters Pressure Cost of getting it wrong can be fatal Installer Job Profile
The Existing Situation Number and time Media attention Safety Added scrutiny
Installer training at GippsTAFE’s Chadstone campus The Existing Situation
If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. - Abraham Maslow The role of GippsTAFE’s Innovation Department
Understanding the challenges through observation, analysis and evaluation Current course structure Classroom & workshop sessions Resources Understand the needs of industry, the trainers and the students
Understanding the challenges through observation, analysis and evaluation Understanding current restrictions Identify barriers Responding to industry feedback on materials
TAFE management perspective SMEs and trainers Industry Students Wide ranging engagement Wider consultation
Time poor trainers need more time in the workshop – Move large sections of the theory to online Greater co-ordination of the verification of student entry qualifications and existing competencies and aptitude – Collaborative approach with industry Poor retention – Expose potential students to the online training prior to commencement Structural issues and responses
Existing resources losing currency – Update existing resources to reflect current practice Existing resources static and unsuitable for online – Enhanced with trainer voice (interim measure) Trainers coping with large groups at workshop stage – Two trainers introduced at this stage Online simply place to deposit materials – Moving to interactive, pre-work delivered Resource issues and responses
No self testing exercises Flash based exercises Resource development issues and responses No video of actuality of installation Produce location videos Limited LMS Enhance and develop LMS
Right Response Overview Safe & Competent Installer Right Numbers Right Skills Right Place Right Time Right Way Right Direction It is essential to get it right. GippsTAFE’s Innovation Department is playing a key co-ordinating role
Trainer perspective
The Journey Build training room Review resources Update existing resources Build interactive resources Videos Widely observe, consult and evaluate Meet with industry Ongoing research May we are here
To date over 300,000 smart meters have been installed in Victoria There has been one serious safety incident Installers have identified 3,500+ existing serious electrical faults at consumer premises Smart Meter Trivia
This year 250 Smart Meter Installers will be trained at the GippsTAFE Chadstone Campus
Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it can kill its pupils. - Hector Berlioz