Rob Vetter is technical director and managing partner with the Ives Training Group, in Blaine, WA, USA, a leader in North American mobile equipment training systems since 1981.

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Your training efforts will eventually lead to an evaluation in which trainees demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills. The purpose of an evaluation is to determine if any additional training is required, not to pass or fail a trainee. However, a successful evaluation does not necessarily mean no further training is required. Consider the following guidelines when conducting evaluations:

In the classroom
Your evaluation of trainees' level of understanding in the classroom should be an ongoing process delivered through discussion and interaction. A formal evaluation, such as a written test, should follow. When issuing a written test:

• Review the theory content of the training before giving the test.
• Ensure you are satisfied with the trainees' level of understanding beforehand.
• Do not leave the room while trainees take the test.
• Collect and grade the test yourself.
• Return graded tests to trainees and review. This will help trainees who may have answered question incorrectly to understand why.
• Collect the tests and take them with you into the field.

In the field
The practical evaluation process is conducted quite differently from the training process. When conducting practical evaluations in the field:

• Conduct one-on-one evaluations with each trainee.
• Issue simple tasks, one at a time.
• Move around so you can see, but stay out of the way and out of the trainee's peripheral vision.
• You can speak to the trainee but do not coach ... training is over.
• Get rid of casual spectators.
• Always complete the evaluation regardless of early results; remember you are out there to gather information not pass or fail.
• Stop the evaluation after six to 10 loads or if it becomes hazardous to continue.
• De-brief operators on their performance in the classroom and in the field. This is the time to clear up any concerns you may have regarding a trainee's knowledge and/or performance.

Keep evaluation results private; they are nobody's concern but the trainee's, the employer's and yours.