In the electrical contracting industry, new technologies, devices, and software are continuously rolling out to help businesses improve safety and productivity. The February 2021 issue of EC&M will include a story on how some of the nation’s largest electrical contractors and design firms are exploring and adopting these technologies.

For example, Heapy Engineering in Dayton, Ohio, focuses on continuing education and training, which is central to its organization’s culture. When a new hire joins the team, the company begins with a skill and competency evaluation as part of its training program.

“This process helps us understand where the new person is today and how we need to help them develop and grow,” says Dwayne Henderson, information communication and technology practice director for Heapy. “We have created custom videos to help colleagues learn and continue their education throughout their career at HEAPY.”

Rosendin Electric in San Jose, Calif., which has rolled out many different types of virtual technologies, also offers the following tips on how to train the field workforce on how to embrace new technologies.

1. Frame it from the end user’s perspective. When Rosendin introduces a new technology, it highlights the benefits of using it and how it will make a specific process easier, faster, or more consistent.
2. Define the value of the technology for the field. While Rosendin realized the potential of augmented reality (AR) for its field workforce, it took several rounds of refinement before it became a standard part of the process. Once the end users saw the benefit and how it made their work easier, adoption quickly followed.
3. Continue to provide support and listen to feedback. Some of the best proponents in the field were those who doubted the technology when it was first introduced. As Rosendin began to use AR more and more, adoption began to spread, and the field started requesting the technology and added features rather than the technology and the features being introduced to them.

Through training and education, electrical contractors and design firms are helping their employees to save time, improve safety, and learn new technologies. By obtaining a new skillset, the employees can then grow in their careers and prepare for the future.

Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].