NWI

Frank S. Tsakeres, Ph.D.

2006 MANTAG Instructor WorkshopJune 7, 2006Gettysburg, PA

Common Pitfalls of Training Programs at US Nuclear Power Plants: An Alternative Perspective

Accreditation Challenges

Absence/Weak Change Management Experienced instructors/managers leave

the department New/significant modifications to

procedures/policies Key leadership changes in training, line

or senior management

Accreditation Challenges

Weak or Lack of Critical Self-Assessments

Narrow scope Frequency limited Objectives/criteria not fully covered Hasty planning Limited/no outside perspective (Team) Corrective Action program not used for

disposition Senior Management unaware of

“sleeping” issue(s)

Documentation-only effectiveness reviews

Documentation reviewed as evidence of effectiveness

Narrow review of issue Outside perspective limited on significant

issues Corrective Action program not used for

disposition and follow-up Senior Management unaware of

“sleeping” issue(s)

Accreditation Challenges

Disinterest in using training as a key performance improvement change agent

Sr. Leadership in-experience/not “trained”

Training leadership not “champions” or “keepers of the Holy Grail”

Limited appreciation of training issue(s) lag time Indicator of program health

Training committee(s) – check box mentality

Accreditation Challenges

Disengagement by line and/or training personnel

Avoidance Denial Limited exposure Margin with regulators Cost-Benefit decisions

Accreditation Challenges

Recognition of … Key Behaviors Adverse Conditions Broad-Programmatic Changes

And Then…

TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION!

Accreditation Challenges

Carry the “Holy Grail”

Be impassioned and interject the training perspective at all levels/meetingsSpeak out – immediately at all levels: Meetings are

opportunities – Substitutes are not “bumps on a log”Business planning – key source of resource

allocationExhibit professional courage – POD, Outage, etc

Prepare – 3 questions deepUtilize the Corrective Action Program

Actions

Carry the “Holy Grail”

Invigorate Training CommitteesFormal Action TrackingAccountability (Including Sr Management)Thoughtful/tactical topics selected (Line 1st/and

include training input)Meaningful performance indicators – change

them periodically5 year plan – not just for staffing but for all

accredited programsDon’t be insulated – seek outside perspectives

(phone calls are cheap)Do you’re part at your level !

Key Actions (cont.)

SummaryTo continue to do the same things and

expecting different results is…

Insane

Make a difference – trainers (instructors and managers) should and must…

“Carry the Holy Grail”

Accreditation Challenges

QUESTIONS?