The best approach to training building maintenance technicians, is to understand how it impacts the industry. Effective training for technicians, is not just significant, it is also multifaceted. There are many elements that play a crucial role in effective building maintenance. This includes technician skill levels and ability to adapt to challenging situations and environments.
Highly trained building maintenance technicians, ensure the longevity of properties and compliance to safety codes and regulations to keep tenants and the public safe. In this article, we are going to take a deep dive into the importance of training for technicians in all aspects of building maintenance.
3 Objectives of Training Building Maintenance Technicians
As training technicians encompasses an array of different modules and sectors, it is easy to overlook how they can be grouped together. SAT have established ourselves as a highly sought after building maintenance and inspection company. We have achieved this through nurturing a culture of honesty, integrity and empowerment amongst our team members. It is not just our clients that we value, it is every member of our company that we value
How we did this, was understanding the 3 main focus points of training building maintenance technicians. Through this understanding, we have been able to develop highly skilled and focus driven technicians to support our clients requirements. This article will cover the following 3 aspects of training:
- Understanding the 5 Aspects of Training Necessity
- The 2 Key Areas of Training
- The Impact of Continuous Learning
1. The 5 Aspects Of Training Necessity
Regular and up to-date training is the cornerstone of a technicians skill and proficiency. This allows them to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively.
- Safety
- Efficiency
- Quality of Work
- Cost Effective
- Regulatory Compliance
1. Safety
Technicians often subjected to work in potentially hazardous environments. Thorough and comprehensive training allows them to understand and adhere to safety protocols. This significantly reduces the risk of work place accidents, whilst ensuring their well-being at all times.
Here is a breakdown of the importance of safety training.
Safety Protocol Training:
Training programs teach technicians about relevant safety protocols which are specific to their area of expertise. This includes the correct usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of tools and machinery, and procedures for working in potentially hazardous environments.
Through this type of training, technicians are able to understand and adhere to protocols, which significantly reduce the risks of injuries and accidents at the work place.
Recognizing Hazards:
Safety training is also vital in training technicians to identify and recognize potential risks and hazards associated with the work. Examples of this could be identifying faulty equipment and plant, to recognizing potentially unsafe working conditions. Rigorous training can help technicians to identify these hazards early, therefore allowing them to take steps to mitigate them and prevent accidents.
Emergency Response Procedures:
When it comes to a situation that requires medical intervention, a well-trained technician can be invaluable. These types of training programs often include modules on emergency response. An invaluable skill for technicians on how to react in crisis situation. Examples of this could be administering first aid, assisting medical teams or executing evacuation plans.
COSHH Requirements:
Building maintenance technicians may be required to handle hazardous materials or products. The correct safety training teaches them how to handle and dispose of these materials safely. Protecting both themselves, the public and the environment.
Understanding Ergonomics:
Technicians often have to perform physically demanding tasks, and sometimes in unnatural positions. This can lead to strain or injury over time. Being trained in ergonomics can teach technicians how to perform their duties in a way that minimizes the physical strain they are subjected to, whilst reducing the risk of injury.
Mental Health and Stress Management:
Due to the demanding nature of work that technicians are exposed to, this can lead to mental stress. Various training programs include modules on mental health and stress management. Which teach technicians different methods and strategies to cope with the mental demands of their job.
2. Efficiency
Highly trained technicians are able to troubleshoot, diagnose and fix issues more efficiently and accurately. Which reduces downtime and disruption. In addition to this, this efficiency is particularly crucial in emergency situations where swift action is required.
Here is a breakdown of the importance of efficiency training.
On Site Problem-Solving:
Whilst on site, technicians often faced with complex situations or problems that require a quick and accurate diagnosis. The correct training enhances a technician’s ability to problem solve on demand, enabling them to identify the root cause of issues more efficiently. This reduces the time spent on trial-and-error and leads to quicker resolutions.
Use of Tools and Equipment:
Training in the efficient use of tools and equipment is crucial in building maintenance. Technicians must know how to use various tools effectively, efficiently and safely in order to perform their tasks. Training provides hands-on experience with these tools, increasing a technician’s proficiency and efficiency. It also provides management with evidence of competency training.
Prioritizing Tasks:
During building maintenance projects, technicians often have to undertake multiple tasks. Training technicians in various aspects of task management and prioritization, can help them manage their workload more efficiently. This ensures that urgent issues are addressed promptly.
Preventive Maintenance:
Prevention is better than cure! So it goes without say, that one of the most efficient methods of building maintenance is to prevent issues before they arise. Training technicians in preventative maintenance techniques, can help them identify potential problem areas early and address them proactively. This doesn’t just have positive impact on time and resource savings, but also extends the lifespan of the building’s systems.
Continuous Improvement:
With the ever changing demands of properties and buildings, building maintenance is constantly evolving. With the emergence of new technologies and methods being regularly introduced. Technicians who engage in continuous learning will remain updated with such developments, which improves their efficiency over time.
3. Quality of Work
Another important aspect of training technicians, is that it enhances their quality of work. Great quality of work ensures that the repairs and maintenance undertaken, far exceeds the industry standards and those set out by the client. This in turn results in longer-lasting repairs, with less requirements for future maintenance issues.
Here are some points to consider about the affects of training building maintenance technicians to high standards and quality of work.
Adherence to Standards:
There are many established standards and compliance regulations that govern the building maintenance industry to ensure quality of work. Technicians are obligated to be familiar with and adhere to these standards, in order to ensure they work is in compliance. Through meeting these standards, the work doesn’t just ensure the longevity and safety of the building, but also adhering to legal requirements and stipulations.
Attention to Detail:
In order to achieve a higher quality of work, technicians require a skill set which includes attention to detail. When undertaking inspections, technicians must be thorough in the methods and know how and when to identify potential issues.
Maintenance tasks need to be carefully undertaken, with attention paid to the finished result. This can include things like, checking the correct fastening methods are utilized. Or if any loose items are present around the work site after work has been completed. Overlooking small details can lead to bigger issues down the line.
Quality Supplies:
It is of paramount importance, that the right quality of materials, tools and equipment are used by technicians. By not using the correct equipment, it will directly impact the quality of their work. Utilizing high-quality, durable and compliant materials will enhance the longevity and integrity of the building’s systems.
Skills Development:
The quality of work delivered by building maintenance technicians, is a direct result of the skills and expertise they possess. Technicians that are well-trained, developed and experienced in their field, are much more likely to produce higher quality work compared to those with less training or experience. Ensuring the right skills are used on maintenance projects, is vital in ensuring project deliverables and stakeholders requirements are met.
Quality Controls:
Whilst ongoing training for technicians ensures skills are developed and quality of work is improved, there must be systems and processes in place to ensure these are met at all times.
By implementing quality control processes, will ensure the consistency of a technician’s work is always maintained. Examples of this could involve regular inspections, close out checklists, peer reviews, internal or even third-party audits.
Customer Satisfaction:
Regardless of all the processes and systems in place, the ultimate focus on delivery is the customer satisfaction. Every aspect of the technicians work will be judges by the client and building occupants. With the right training and development, higher quality of work will be achieved. Resulting in higher customer satisfaction and ultimately retention.
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4. Increased Cost Effectiveness
An important aspect training building maintenance technicians that is often overlooked, is cost. Many companies think of additional expenses. However, this is far from the truth.
Spending money on training and development, increases work efficiency by minimizing mistakes and oversights. Therefore reducing the requirement for additional expenses associates with unnecessary rectifications and waste. The result of this is an increase in savings over the long term.
Efficient Use of Resources:
Training helps technicians understand the requirements of the project and to use resources more efficiently. Various training modules includes the training for optimal use of materials and tools, which reduces waste and unnecessary expenses.
Reduced Downtime:
Technicians that are constantly trained and developed, become efficient in diagnosing and rectifying issues quickly. This in turn reduces downtime of building systems and associated operations. Through the efficient working practices of trained technicians, cost savings are increased as a result of increased uptime and minimal disruptions to operations.
Long-Term Savings:
Training and developing building maintenance technicians does require an upfront investment. However, with these newly trained technicians, the long-term savings are significant.
Technicians are able to work more efficiently, adapt to increased project demands, deliver within predefined timescales and reduce material and logistical requirements.
All of which lead to an increase in future cost savings.
Legal Compliance:
By ensuring technicians are trained to the latest codes and compliance, they are able to undertake work by meeting industry standards. This in turn, helps to avoid fines or legal costs associated with incorrect repairs. Often this is overlooked as part of completing projects, with attention paid more to completion rather than quality and safety.
Energy Efficiency:
Building maintenance technicians play a key role in ensuring the energy efficiency of a building. Trained technicians can recommend and implement energy-saving measures. Which in turn leads to significant cost savings with associated heating and energy bills.
5. Regulatory Compliance
Within the building maintenance industry, it is of paramount importance that technicians are well-versed and trained in regulatory compliance. Buildings become more complex with technology driven enhancements and varying degrees of engineering.
As a result of this, the demand for highly skilled and adept technicians is increasing. However, updates in technology and engineering often increase the complexity in which maintenance must be undertaken. These updates also carry an array of different regulations that govern the building maintenance industry.
Therefore, training building maintenance technicians in these new and varying regulations is vital.
The Importance of regulatory compliance in building maintenance is essential for a number of reasons. However, below are 3 of the main ones we will be focusing on in this article:
Ensures the Safety of Occupants
Compliance and regulations dictate the standards for the maintenance of buildings. This can include external façade repairs, roofing and ventilation, environmental considerations, electrical systems and fire safety.
By conducting building maintenance repairs in adherence to these standards, technicians are actively contributing to a safer working environment.
Safeguarding Building Longevity
By acknowledging and adhering to the relevant building regulations and standards, effective building maintenance can be achieved. Adhering to current regulations, ensures that unnecessary deterioration is prevented. As well as ensuring that building maintenance operations are conducted in a way that extends the longevity of the property and infrastructure.
Environmental Regulations
Something that is often overlooked, is the impact that building maintenance has on the environment. Therefore, it is essential that building maintenance technicians fully understand and comply with relevant environmental regulations. Specifically those that relate to energy efficiency, waste disposal and sustainable practices.
Nowadays, buildings are leaning more and more towards greener standards. Therefore, attention should be paid towards training building maintenance technicians on more responsible maintenance practices.
2. The 2 Key Areas of Training
There are many areas and modules when it comes to the development and training of technicians. However, there are some key areas that are of importance when relating to building maintenance. Below are some examples of these 3 key areas:
- Technical Skills
- Soft Skills
1. Technical Skills
Undertaking training relating to technical skills can include areas such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, inspection and much more. The training teaches technicians how to install, repair, inspect and maintain these systems.
In addition to this, technicians also learn about the advancement of the latest technologies and tools pertaining to their field. This enables them to work more efficiently and effectively.
Roofing Work:
The roof is probably the most aspect of the building, and its function if of the utmost importance. Correct training and development, ensures technicians are highly skilled and adept in carrying out all aspects of roofing repairs.
It is vital that technicians understand how roofing systems are intended to operate, how to install and repair them, and how to perform regular maintenance to ensure they operate efficiently.
Inspections:
Technicians are often required to undertake inspections of various areas whilst on the building. Through training and development, highly skilled technicians can undertake inspections, ensuring problem areas are identified and addressed accordingly.
Technicians need to understand the technical and theoretical aspects of building maintenance in order to perform their inspections thoroughly and effectively. This includes safety procedures and local regulations. work with electrical systems, including lighting, wiring, and electrical appliances.
Plumbing:
Plumbing is another key area of building maintenance that is often not taken into account. Especially by tenants or property managers. Many times, issues that are caused inside the property come from defective plumbing maintenance.
Maintenance technicians need to understand how to install and repair pipes, valves, and other plumbing fixtures. It is also important that they must be able to diagnose and resolve common plumbing issues, such as leaks or blockages.
Joinery:
A number of building maintenance tasks require some form of carpentry skills. This could be external work on sash and case windows, or cupola frames. It may even be internal work such as; replacement of doors, windows, fixtures or flooring. Having technicians trained and developed in such trades, ensures work is not just done right, but effectively and within compliance.
Stonework Repairs:
Larger and older structures, such as tenement buildings often require ongoing stonework repairs throughout their lifespan. It is important for technicians to be familiar with various stone practices, engineering properties and installation methods of the different types of stone.
Technicians need to understand the correct way to repair stonework and to ensure their maintenance is done correctly as per design standards. Additionally, training technicians in stonework repair practices, ensures they are familiar with the required tools involved and how to safely work with them.
Painting and Decorating:
There is often the requirement for painting and decorating work scopes within building maintenance. Even if these are minor in nature, understanding the different aspects of painting and decorating, ensures a higher quality of work. By training and developing technicians in this area, ensures they are familiar with the different paint finishes, surface preparation and application techniques and proper housekeeping practices.
Use of Tools and Equipment:
Building maintenance technicians are subjected to a use of a wide range of tools and equipment in their line of work. It is important that they have the knowledge and training in using these tools effectively and safely. From the smallest hand tool, to the largest power tool, training is vital in ensuring high quality of work is achieved, whilst ensuring safety is maintained at all times. .
Building Codes and Regulations:
Whilst professional bodies such as engineers and surveyors will be proficient in all aspect of building codes and regulations, it is also important that technicians be familiar with local building codes and regulations. This will ensure that all maintenance and repair work remains compliant with local laws and government standards and regulations.
Health and Safety Legislation:
Building maintenance covers an array of different sectors, each with their own legislation. For this reason technicians need to be aware of the health and safety legislation applicable to their work. This includes laws and regulations that relate to workplace safety, handling of hazardous materials, environmental protection and work at height requirements.
Technicians that are trained in various aspects of Health and Safety ensures that they are up-to-date with the applicable laws and regulations., helping them to comply with legal requirements and maintain a safe work environment.
2. Soft Skills
Whilst the technical aspect of building maintenance training is important, there are other factors that are just as vital. These include; communication, problem-solving, and customer facing skills.
Learning these valuable skills, empowers technicians to interact effectively with clients and coworkers, creatively and dynamically solve problems, all whilst providing unrivalled customer service.
Soft skills are far too often overlooked with regards to training, but they are crucial for technicians in building maintenance. Let us break down the soft skills that are important for developing:
Communication Skills:
Technicians are front facing and they often interact with a variety of individuals. This could be speaking directly with clients, colleagues, and even suppliers. Being able to communicate effectively, is essential when technicians are required to explain complex technical issues. Especially when explaining to non-technical people.
Through effective communication skills, technicians are also able to efficiently coordinate with team members and provide a high level of customer service.
Problem-Solving Skills:
With all the demands associated with building maintenance, technicians are frequently exposed to unexpected issues that require creative interventions. By training technicians in problem-solving skills, enables them to think outside the box, assess the situation, and come up with effective solutions.
Time Management:
Whilst on a project, technicians are often required to undertake multiple tasks in varying orders of priorities. Training technicians in effective time management skills allow them to complete their tasks more efficiently, meet deadlines, and manage their workload effectively.
Customer Service:
On many occasions, technicians deal directly with clients. Which makes having excellent customer service skills essential. Technicians must be able to handle customer queries, complaints, and requests professionally and courteously.
Teamwork:
There are projects in which technicians work in an autonomous role. However, in many instances, building maintenance require the efforts of a team or multiple teams. For this reason, technicians should be able to work effectively within both environments. They should be able to coordinate efforts with other team members in order to complete tasks efficiently and on time.
Adaptability:
When it comes to the field of building maintenance, it is important to not that it is constantly evolving. Especially with new technologies and methods being introduced on a regular basis.
It is crucial that technicians are able to adapt, willing to develop new skills, and able to adjust to challenging situations and environments.
Work Ethic:
Our number one factor in training technicians, is to deliver a strong work ethic amongst the teams. Undertaking work with honesty, integrity and transparency is vital for ensuring a long lasting relationship both with the company and clients. Technicians should take pride in their work, to showcase their commitment to excellence and quality.
So let us sum up soft skills training.
It is clear that technical skills for technicians are crucial, after all what they undertake is technical in nature. However, soft skills are equally important and should not be overlooked.
By developing a technicians soft skills, you are enhancing their ability to perform their job more efficiently, increasing their team work skills and providing a platform for delivering excellent customer service.
A well-rounded building maintenance technician, who not only possesses technical skills, but also dynamic soft skills, is an asset to any building maintenance company.
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3. The Impact of Continuous Learning
Building maintenance is a continuously evolving environment, therefore continually developing the skills of technicians is crucial. It is vital that that technicians are always equipped with the crucial knowledge to keep them updated with the latest in building maintenance techniques, technologies and regulations.
In order to facilitate this, regular training sessions, various workshops and certification programs can be implemented. By undertaking continuous training, it will foster a culture of excellence and innovation amongst building maintenance technicians. Resulting in growth and success of the organization.
For this reason, continuous learning and development is a vital aspect of a technician’s role in building maintenance. Below are some areas that illustrate the importance of continuous learning for technicians.
Technological Advancement Awareness:
Whether we like it or not, building maintenance and all the nuances associated with it are ever changing. This can be in the form of new technologies, tools and equipment for streamlining processes and operations, or even new methods of production and delivery By continuously developing the skills of technicians, you enable them to operate more efficiently and effectively at all times.
Adapt To Regulation Change:
Through constant monitoring and analysis, both local and government codes and regulations change as things progress. By continuously developing the skills of maintenance technicians, you are ensuring that they are always aware of these changes and can adapt their working practices accordingly.
Skills and Knowledge Empowerment:
By undertaking continuous learning and development, it allows technicians to continually improve their knowledge and skill set. Not only does this enhance their operational performance, but it also opens up opportunities for advancement in career.
Remaining Competitive:
In a competitive industry such as building maintenance, technicians who are actively engaged in continuous learning, deliver a quality of service that establishes the organization of which they are a part of, as leaders in the industry. Well trained and developed building maintenance technicians, demonstrate a level of commitment to their profession that manifests itself in their desire to continually improve on their set of skills.
Professional Certification:
Many of the professional certifications that are required in the building maintenance industry require ongoing learning in order to maintain the level of certification. Technicians who actively engage in continuous development can earn these certifications. Which in turn, enhances their credibility and ability to establish themselves as professionals in their field.
Lessons Learned:
A vital aspect in any project is to identify key learning objectives from various task outcomes. Every job or project undertaken offers an array of different opportunities for learning. By reflecting on such experiences, technicians can are able to identify areas that can be improved on and make the necessary adjustments for work going forward.
Conclusion on Training Building Maintenance Technicians
Laying the foundation for investing in training building maintenance technicians, should not just be a requirement but a strategic and calculated decision. When technicians are highly trained, they not only feel empowered, but it also leads to a safer, more efficient operational baseline, and ultimately, higher quality of work.
They key takeaway from this article, should be that the ongoing training and development of building maintenance technicians, should not be seen as an expense, but rather an investment in the future of your organization.
SAT are the leading Building Maintenance and Inspection company in Edinburgh. We offer our clients cost effective solutions to their work at height requirements. Our ability to complete demanding projects on time and within budget, is something we are proud of. It is our mission to support our clients in all aspects of their building maintenance, servicing and inspection requirements. 
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