Competencybased training

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Competency-based training

• Forecasting of (Severe) Thunderstorms in the
  Australian Region Forecast Competencies and
  Related Training Issues.

Roger Deslandes
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Talk Outline

• The introduction of forecast competencies in the
  Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
• Why document the forecast process?
• Why competencies?
• The Australian experience
• Training Challenges Developing the learning
  environment
• Competency Case Study and Forecast tools example
• Summary

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The introduction of forecast competencies in the
Australian Bureau of Meteorology
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Why document the Forecast Process?

• Focus on underpinning Scientific knowledge and
  develop / refine conceptual understanding.
• Define Techniques, diagnostics based on best
  science.
• Identify low/no skill areas - support high skill
  areas.
• Develop Systems and tools that remove drudgery
  and allow forecasters to concentrate on providing
  the best possible service.
• Define competencies.

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Why the Competency approach?

• Expectation in the broader environment in which
  the Bureau is operating.
• How else do we know our standards?
• National consistency
• Provides opportunity to identify our weaknesses
  and gaps in our knowledge - Ensures that staff
  are well skilled
• Staff cannot be asked to do things for which they
  are not trained
• Forecasters and the Bureau have a benchmark for
  establishing duty of care

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A case in point Get Smart Episode Cut
Backs at Control

• SENATOR Mr. Smart, how many arrests did
  Control make last year?
• MAX I don't know.
• SENATOR Who's the 1 man in your organization?
• MAX I don't know.
• SENATOR How many cases were assigned to
  Control last year?
• MAX I don't know.
• SENATOR What would you do if you were fired,
  Mr. Smart?
• MAX They can't fire me
• SENATOR And why is that?
• MAX I know too much.

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The goal is then to

• Have demonstrably competent, confident and
  adaptable forecast staff
• ..FSEP workshop Competency and training goal
  (Jeff Wilson, Phil Riley, Roger Deslandes, Andrew
  Treloar, Monica Long).
• Not this BUT this

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The Australian Development Experience
Meeting of stakeholders Clients, SPB, BMRC
(FSEP), BMTC, Forecasters Forecast process
Regional Trainers
Competencies
Identify forecasters
Train the trainer
Forecasters
Training
Develop Learning resources
Assessment
Training needs analysis
Data Base
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Training ChallengesCreating a meaningful
learning environment for forecasters.

• The use of competencies ensures highly focused
  training that addresses the skills and knowledge
  that forecasters require.
• Training resources allow FORECASTERS to INTERACT
  with the data so that they can make the same
  sorts of decisions that would be required in
  real-time severe weather situations.
• The modules are used as one component of a
  blended learning approach.
• Web-based format allows forecasters to view data
  even if they do not have access to their forecast
  work- stations.

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Competencies, INTERACTIVE Web-based case studies
and training tools
Description of competency performance criteria
Tools reflect the forecast process
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Summary
Clear Forecast process
Forecasters know what is expected of them
Ensures ownership by stakeholders
Forecast competency development
Clear, strongly focused training resources that
address required skills and knowledge
Sophisticated web-based, interactive template
approach developed in train-trainer mode
Regional trainers have ownership and
understanding of training resources