5 Tips for Training That Sticks

There’s much to learn in the pest management field, so make sure your training methods are effective. Photo: Truly Nolen

Every pest management professional (PMP) has had at least some form of training in a classroom. If it’s your job to teach them about pests, products, safety, and customer service, here are five steps you can take to ensure a successful training session.

1. Make a commitment. Make it mandatory for PMPs to brush up on their skills throughout the year. “So many companies don’t go to training until they’re running out of continuing education credits,” says Doug Foster, owner of Burt’s Termite & Pest Control in Columbus, Ind. There’s much to learn in the pest management field all year, every year.

2. Keep it positive. Teach PMPs what you want them to learn, but never berate them for what they don’t know.

3. Offer food. If the class is held in the morning, provide bagels or doughnuts. Or, hold training sessions around lunchtime and order in. Sharing a meal will get the class off to a great start. Plus, it’s an excellent way to get your PMPs there on time.

4. Keep it fun and engaging. Show off specimens to illustrate your point. Avoid lectures delivered in a monotone voice. You want your class to pay attention, not fall asleep. Encourage questions, too.

5. Share your knowledge. Seasoned PMPs should offer advice and tips to the class. Even though you’re holding a training class, there’s much to be learned from those with years of experience. PMPs who attend class off-site should share the useful information they learned with everyone back at the office — including sales and office staff.

Whether your company’s training sessions are informal or structured, educate in an engaging fashion.

You can reach PMP Managing Editor Diane Sofranec at dsofranec@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3793.