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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Operating a forklift, aerial lift or loader is not a one-dimensional activity. Operators must be able to correctly interpret information regarding their equipment, load, environment and application, and then use that to determine how the equipment controls are manipulated. It makes sense, therefore, that training of such operators is not one-dimensional either. A trainer must break things down into three dimensions in order to get an operator to the desired levels of knowledge, understanding and skill.

The three goals of training are getting across the what, how and why.

WHAT must be done:
This is a basic premise, but one that is often surprisingly overlooked or underestimated. Trainees must have a clear understanding of what it is they are expected to do. A great help here is to walk your trainees through what is expected before asking them to do anything. Doing this will provide them with consistent, accurate information and give them the opportunity to ask questions.

HOW to do it: This phase of a program is the actual training itself. It involves the trainer's instruction along with the physical use of the equipment by the trainees as they make the mental and physical connection between their actions and the reactions of the equipment.

WHY it is done: Without question, this is the most important phase. Nothing enhances a trainee's motivation to do something more than understanding the rationale of why it should be done. Simply citing regulations, industry standards or company policy here will not do the trick. Bottom line: trainees are far more likely to adhere to their training if they understand why they should. There is a reason for everything and those reasons need to be conveyed.

These three points must be conveyed throughout both theory and practical training. Trainers should ensure understanding on an ongoing basis. In the classroom, this is achieved through active engagement and interaction with the trainees. In the field, understanding is achieved through practical demonstrations performed by the trainee with the equipment. If trainers are able to effectively convey these three goals, they will have paved the way to the door of the ultimate goal: understanding.

Reflect on your own training program. Are you addressing the what, how and why with your trainees?