Core Competency Training

Core competencies are those particular capabilities or processes in your work place that create a genuine competitive advantage and allow you to deliver value to a customer. They are the very processes which allow you to exist and succeed as a business entity. For most businesses, however, these essential processes might have been side-lined over time, or compromised by the need to deal with extraneous issues that take time and create cost, but don’t really add value or generate profit.


Core Competencies - Core Benefits
 
Qualitrain will undertake sophisticated analysis of your business process and competitive performance to identify those processes and skills which, uniquely for you, comprise your Core Competencies. We will then work with you to devise strategies by which your business can home in on these key ingredients of success, so that improvement can be focused exactly where it will achieve the greatest benefit.


 
Core Competency training can be used to bring new staff into the work force better prepared and more able to contribute effectively, or to redefine and redirect the skills of existing employees into areas of value, rather than simply raising standards that may not contribute directly to competitive advantage or improved profitability.
 
In short, Qualitrain will help you to avoid spending undue time and money on activities that don’t create profit, and simultaneously drive improvement through precisely those processes that are essential to profit. Core Competency training is also vital to ensure the competence of employees to meet the specific quality or safety standards of particular processes and industries. For example, in our work within the Rail industry, Qualitrain uses Core Competency training to meet the following:
 

  • Specify that all persons working on rail vehicles or provide components for rail vehicles or any person instructing or training those workers, MUST prove their competence by independent assessment in line with QCF standards.

  • Competency MUST be managed in a professional, auditable manner with records verified and maintained for 30 years.

  • Trainers and Instructors must be assessed for competency in all areas in which they deliver training and instruction.

  • Safety Critical Activities are only carried out to the highest standard by competent persons.

 
For an specific example, see our BTRS case study, or call us to talk through the ways in which we could assist in making your business more focused on truly value-added, core activities.
 
Samples of Typical Core Competency Training Courses
 
1. Torque Tightening
 
Torque tightening is a core activity for operators in the assembly and manufacture of trains. This training contributes to recording the auditable torque values in a professional and responsible manner and the effective reporting of calibration errors in keeping with RISAS standards. It also forms part of a nationally recognised QCF award in Performing Manufacturing Operations.
 
Course Aim
 
The aim of the training is to ensure the staff correctly identify, apply and record important torque values when tightening fixings.
 
Course Content
 
What is torque?
Why do we torque tighten?
Selecting and checking the torque wrench.
Applying the torque with considerations to health and safety.
Recording the torque values on correct company documentation for auditable traceability.
Making the torque fixings.
Operating process and flow diagram for standardisation.
 
2. Cable Verification
 
Cable Verification is a core skill for operators in the assembly and manufacture of vehicles and equipment that have electrical installations in their design. The training identifies the critical visual and physical checks expected for the safe and efficient build of the equipment. It also forms part of a nationally recognised QCF award in Performing Manufacturing Operations.
 
Course Aim
 
The aim of the training is to ensure that staff are aware of the visual and physical checks required during installation of electrical installations for vehicles and equipment across a range of products specific to the Company.
 
Course Content
 
Verification of electrical termination
Visual inspection techniques
Physical inspection techniques for bolt down termination
Physical inspection of plugged equipment
Check sheets
 
 
3. Riv-Nuts, Huck-Bolts, Mono-Bolts and Pop Rivets
 
This core activity focuses on various essential fixing devices used within the assembly and manufacture of trains and is ideal as a refresher for both existing skilled and new staff. This training provides a standardised and safe method for applying the various fixings and describes responsible tool care. The training also details specific company procedures for recording fixing activities contributing in reducing costly quality faults. The training also forms part of a nationally recognised QCF award in Performing Manufacturing Operations.
 
Course Aim
 
To provide the operator with a safe, standardised method for carrying out a range of fixing activities following company procedures.
 
Course Content
 
Safety requirements of each fixing application
Good practice for hand tool care
Safe and efficient installation methods for each fixing technique
Inspection and recording methods
Practical applications