The field of maintenance is in as much flux currently as every other field. It is expecting to see growth as well. As time moves on, the maintenance industry is reaching the point that the more experienced generation of workers is retiring, and the education system has not provided opportunities or emphasized maintenance to the next generation of workers.
Online learning is one definitive solution to close the skills gap between these two generations of maintenance workers.
Industry Growth
Not only are senior technicians beginning to retire, but the maintenance field is also expected to expand in the coming years.
The fields of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millworkers are all projected to grow over the next ten years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Job Outlook is projected to grow 19% (almost double the average) through 2030.
Five Benefits of Online Learning
1. Added Flexibility and Self-Paced Learning
Many do not have the time to take off work to commit to a training program. Some are juggling work and going back to school. Online programs provide the flexibility to create a learning schedule that works for you. It allows for better work, life, and learning experience.
In-person training can be intimidating. Asking a speaker to repeat a section or point they had just made can be uncomfortable. But rewinding or going back in a module is simple and straightforward with zero pressure. Working through the lesson at your own pace encourages better retention and helps to get the most out of the training.
2. Demonstrates Self-Motivation
Completing online learning or training demonstrates to your employer that you are committed to learning and professional development. When you receive your certificate, you are also displaying your time management skills and your self-motivation.
The employers of today expect their top employees to be self-starters and well-educated. Online learning shows that not only has the student completed the program, but they have the skills and the motivation to complete the task at hand.
3. New Technical Skills
Embracing technology is crucial. The skills today are still the skills of yesterday when it comes to maintaining equipment or machinery. That is true, but there are also new skills that will come in handy dealing with more modern technologies. These new skills will help everyone to be more adaptable in the workplace and will help everyone to be on the same page.
4. Better Team Collaboration & Communication
Having all employees on the maintenance team speaking the same technical language is a must. Better team communication will help prevent unnecessary repairs or supply purchases.
The technical language taught through an online maintenance program is what will keep your more senior employees communicating effectively with the newer staff members. This shared language will help bring new staff up to speed more efficiently but also help prevent cost expenditures.
5. More time to do the things you love
Online learning allows the participants to move through the materials at their own pace. This means everyone has more time to do what they love. Keeping the learning, work, and life balance in better ratios means happier people, who are more likely to produce better results.
Those completing the program on their own time usually complete at a faster rate than traditional learning. Online courses take, on average, half the time to complete.
Find out more about Stratus Learning.
IBT Industrial Solutions has provided hands-on, in-person training since 1968. Employers and students alike trust IBT to provide industry-leading training. IBT Industrial Solutions offers a new online learning program composed of 17 modules to help educate machinery and maintenance personnel.
IBT brings together 53 years of training industrial personnel and 24/7 access to Stratus Learning on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Benefits of Stratus Learning
Full Administration –
Stratus Learning handles the full administration of the online training programs. Whether you or your company purchases a single course or the full 17 module training course, Stratus Learning will track, evaluate, and ultimately present those who fulfill the course requirements with their completion certificate.
Personalized training –
Create subject matter experts on your team by utilizing this online training course. Choose the learning segment that works best for your corporate situation for a fee as low as $95 or complete all 17 courses for $495.
At Your Pace –
Stratus Learning offers 17 courses that can be completed at your employees’ pace (within 18 months of course purchase).
Achieve –
Receive immediate feedback and download the completion certificate.
Fundamental Training courses:
- Fundamentals of Power Transmission
- Bearings, Installation, and Maintenance
- Gears
- Lubrication
- Motors
- Power Transmission Accessories
- Sealants and Adhesives
- Belt Drives, Installation, and Maintenance
- Chain Drives, Installation, and Maintenance
- Clutches and Brakes
- Conveyors and Components
- Couplings & U-Joint, Installation, and Maintenance
- Hydraulics and Maintenance
- Linear Motion
- Controls and Sensors
- Adjustable Speed Drives
- Vibration Analysis
How to Get Started
- Log in to Stratus Learning CLICK HERE
- Purchase a class for yourself or members of your staff.
- Learn at your own pace.
- Complete the course and receive your certificate.
In-Person Stratus Learning Opportunities
In addition to online courses by Stratus Learning, IBT also offers in-person training for industrial professionals. Led by experts in the field, training typically lasts two days. Courses include:
- Hydraulics 101
- Electrical 101
- Bearings and Power Transmission 101
- Safety Training
- Material Handling Training
Class participants can expect to receive hands-on instruction that includes real-life scenarios and exercises. In-person training is limited to IBT customers and is currently available at IBT branch locations as well as at customer worksites.
Want to learn more?
At IBT, we’re here to help! Request more information by filling out this form. CLICK HERE
