Guest Article
The Benefits of a Solid Weights & Measures Field Training Program
Mike Cleary Retired
I think the most interesting time in my career while working, while in law enforcement, or my time as the Director of Measurement Standards here in California and Chair at NCWM, was exploring the concept of Field Training and applying it to the various functions of field work. Specifically, how to take an individual from the classroom to the actual independent field work. I was lucky enough to learn the theory and practice of how to develop a working field training manual that could be adapted to any type of technical type of work. Some years ago, while active with the NCWM, I worked with a group of talented folks to develop a framework for a field training manual for working weights and measures inspectors. Since then, many have added to the program and have provided technical training sections to that end. I did some research and thought I might share some of the benefits of having a successful field training program. The Importance of Field Training: Bridging Theory and Practice Field training is a cornerstone of effective professional development across countless industries—law enforcement, healthcare, engineering, environmental science, education, and more. While classroom instruction provides the theoretical foundation for a job, field training transforms that knowledge into practical skill. It is in real-world environments that trainees learn to adapt, problem-solve, and build confidence in their abilities.
32
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker