1. APHL Workforce Development Programs and Resources
Presented at PIHOA 60th Annual Meeting
Honolulu, HI

2. APHL Training and Education Programs
Strengthen public health laboratory workforce readiness by improving the quality of laboratory practice and increasing the skills of laboratorians performing testing of public health significance
The overall goal for the Training and Education Program is to strengthen public health laboratory workforce readiness by improving the quality of laboratory practice and increasing the skills of laboratorians performing testing of public health significance through training and continuing education. Using training needs assessments, appropriate training responses are developed and delivered and evaluated to assure effective response to articulated training needs.
The APHL Training and Education Program provides training and education related services and products to APHL members and public health laboratory professionals through outside partners and APHL programs. The program’s staff partner with a variety of agencies and organizations as well as collaborate with APHL Program staff in the design, delivery and communication of technical, quality and leadership targeted training messages. We use industry-accepted instructional development process such as training needs assessments to develop training activities, and then deliver and evaluate these activities to ensure learners meet the articulated training needs. The Training and Education program’s activities support APHL’s strategic roadmap Goal A-1: Training and Technical Assistance.
The APHL Training and Education Program is using available resources to assist in integrating and harmonizing all APHL training activities. Our efforts focus on reducing redundancy and improve internal coordination of training across the APHL organization.
We use industry-accepted instructional development process such as training needs assessments to develop training activities, and then deliver and evaluate these activities to ensure learners meet the articulated training needs. The Training and Education program’s activities support APHL’s strategic roadmap Goal A-1: Training and Technical Assistance.

3. Workforce Development Programs
National Center for Public Health Laboratory Leadership
Fellowships
Emerging Leaders
National Laboratory Training Network
Webinars
Conferences
NLTN: is a cooperative training program administered by APHL with support from CDC.
Continuing education for laboratorians performing testing of PH significance
Fellowship and Traineeship Program:
45 total: half to SPHLs; half to CDC Labs
12 two year research fellows, post docs
33 one year traineeships, post baccalaureate
Class X starts in September
The Center, launched in Nov 2002 to address specific PHL leadership issues. Concept was based on a study conducted by APHL in 2000.
APHL Webinars: Since January of 2016, we’ve had a total of 26 webinars with 20,728 participants, including 10 which were funded by scientific programs with 11,117 participants.

4. National Center for Public Health Laboratory Leadership (NCPHLL)

5. What We Do Leadership Development Emerging Leader Program
Network of Laboratory Leadership Alumni, (NOLLA)
EID Fellowships
Special Projects
Public Health Laboratory Competencies
Workforce Surveys
Career Advocacy
Student Events x 3

6. Highlights of the ELP Launch of the ELP Class 8
Steerage of class project to optimize ROI
Coaching program evaluation
Implementation of Coach Team Leads
Expanded Global ELP in other GHSA supported countries

7. ELP Curriculum

8. National Laboratory Training Network
Develops & delivers training events using various formats, including teleconferences, webinars, seminars, workshops, and conferences

9. NLTN develops & delivers training to address documented needs of the PHL community.
Topics include:
Advanced mycobacteriology; Foodborne outbreak investigations; Mycology; BT; Packaging & Shipping;
Sentinel Laboratory Response Training; Influenza; Rabies
among others.

10. NLTN supports a community of practice for training coordinators nationally

11. Public Health Laboratory Competencies:
Making a case for integration into Human Resource practices

12. Competencies are tools to guide professional growth… they are not a test.
Behavior-based competency guidelines
The knowledge, ability and skills necessary to be successful and effective in the performance of a particular job position
Personnel competency assessments
Required to meet regulatory compliance (CLIA, NELAC, ISO)
Measures proficiency at performing certain tasks or an individual test method

13. Available on line at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/other/su6401.pdf
Project started in Aug 2012
Published on May 15, 2015
Developed and reviewed by 170 professionals with diverse backgrounds and experience in laboratory science and public health.
Available on line at
Developed through the engagement of SMEs from APHL, CDC, state and local PHLs, federal environmental and agricultural laboratories, clinical laboratories, and academia to ensure appropriate input and vetting.

14. Competency Guidelines for PHL Professionals
15 domains
General
Cross-cutting technical
Specialized
122 Competencies
519 Subcompetencies
Tier Statements
Beginner
Competent
Proficient
Expert

15. Intended Use
Ensure a capable, well-trained, and prepared laboratory workforce
Assess personnel’s current skill level
Define areas of needed training; refine PHL workforce development plans to address training needs
Create standardized job descriptions
Define progressive job series or career ladders
Recruit new staff
Assess organizational capacity
Develop performance objectives and appraisals

16. Implementing PHL Competencies
Tools and resources
Biosafety officer position description
Assessment tool
In development
Additional sample position descriptions
Career ladder template
Informational tools for explaining the use of PHL competencies

17. When you are ready to implement
For more information, tools and resources, visit the APHL Public Health Laboratory Competencies website:

18. Resources and Tools
Tools and other resources are available at
Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (2006)
Guidelines for Biosafety Laboratory Competency (April 15, 2011 / 60(02);1-6)
Competency Guidelines for Public Health Laboratory Professionals: CDC and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (May 15, 2015 / 64(01);1-81)

19. Where do we go from here? Continuing education Training
Emerging Leaders initiative
Mentoring
What are your burning issues that APHL and PIHOA can consider working on together?

20. Thank you! Scott J Becker, Executive Director 240-485-2747