DBD InSite

DBD’s Kitchen Training Area has been set up to provide a location for our appliance service and installation teams to receive practical training, to support the methods and processes either presented in training manuals, installation guides, method statements, team meetings, appraisal reviews, one-to-ones and so much more.

“ it has allowed us to provide practical demonstrations, training and assessments in a ‘real life’ setting …

We spoke to our Operations Director Martin Appleyard to find out more about the thoughts behind this process:

When did the training start?
‘The kitchen was completed in January 2017, and training started from February 2017. At present the space is being used regularly in the following areas:

• Induction Training – a new Induction Program has just been launched which will mean that all new trainee installers will spend their first week in training sessions focused around a practical and theory training program, before being sent out on site. This will enable the Trainer to provide initial induction training in a safe environment on the basics – wiring plugs, making connections, fitting appliances into apertures or on walls, drilling and fitting Washing Machine and Dishwasher doors, worktop cut outs.
• New Starter Training – used on an ad-hoc basis to address specific training needs in the first weeks of employment, and as a follow up to site based training as and when required.
• Team Training – specifically this has been used to deliver formal competence training on electrical connections for all the team.
• New Tool and Equipment issues – this facility can be used to provide  training for the introduction of new tools  / equipment – for example it has been used twice in June for New Equipment Training demonstration and practical training, including  the issuing and use of new electrical isolation testing equipment.
• Internal Office Staff Training – this has previously been done in a meeting room environment, in the Board Room, but Steve Davey is now arranging to deliver this in Q3 in the Training Kitchen, which will enable practical demonstration and training to take place to support the theory.
• Specific Task Training – the plan is to use this for specific on-going training topics that arise as a result of Customer Care Feedback or safety Incidents that have occurred, where examples of poor fitting can be discussed and then the correct method applied practically.

Have you had any feedback from staff yet?
It has been positive all round. One of our instructors Jonny French said:

‘This has allowed us to provide practical demonstrations, training and assessments in a ‘real life’ setting. This has big benefits over presentations in the boardroom as the team can get involved and try out what is being discussed in a training environment that replicates what they will see on site. The Kitchen space features different appliance apertures as well as space for installing cooker hoods and different electrical connections that the team will come across. After receiving internal feedback the induction process now includes unpacking and preparation of appliances, working safely with electricity, wiring plugs and making connections and installing and  levelling appliances in the correct spaces. As well as using the kitchen for inductions we have also been able to set up and then photograph situations where we have needed to update our installation methods or processes so we can then provide technical bulletins to our installers and subcontractors.‘

Wayne Balaam and Steve Davey, also in house instructors, feel strongly that this is a great way to communicate, train and continually improve our services.

What moved DBD to pursue this form of training?
This came about in an Operations Management Team Meeting during a collaborative discussion. We are all  focused on further developing  its usage to make the best use of this excellent resource.’

We are confident this will ensure our installers give the best possible service to our customers.