Understanding and Addressing the Training Needs of the Professional
ASQ Education Division Webinar June 22, 2022
Presented by: Rick Hefner, PhD

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Abstract: The market for professional training is rapidly expanding, in response to changing technology and market needs. Understanding and addressing the training needs of professionals in the workforce can be challenging, as they differ significantly from the needs of other learners.

This presentation will provide tools and tricks for designing professional training programs. Specifically, we will outline the use of competency models for identifying the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed in different job assignments and at different stages of a career. Companies can use an industry-developed competency model, or develop their own, to help identify training content, delivery modalities, and structured mentoring and job assignments for effective professional development programs.

In addition, the methods by which we deliver training must address the different learning styles of professionals. Professionals must understand how new ideas fit into their existing knowledge base and need a practical reason for spending the time and energy to acquire the new skills. Learning and retention is enhanced by choosing a delivery approach such as “flip the classroom”, where the instructor facilitates the professional in acquire the requisite knowledge – a “guide on the side” as opposed to the “sage on the stage”. Recent brain science studies point to the increased effectiveness of such methods.

Examples from Caltech’s experience designing and delivering hundreds of professional training programs will be presented to illustrate the concepts.

About the Speaker:
Rick Hefner, PhD, serves as the Executive Director for Caltech’s Center for Technology and Management Education, which provides professional training to technology-driven individuals and organizations. He has over 40 years of experience in engineering, training, and management and has worked with companies and government agencies in the aerospace, communications, electronics, and health sciences industries. He is credited with over 200 publications and presentations and is active in several professional societies.