The evaluation process

When training employees for forklift operation, you must evaluate their progress, in the classroom and the field. Rob Vetter, technical director with the Ives Training Group, a mobile equipment training company, offers the following tips on evaluation, which originally appeared at www.Forkliftaction.com.

Classroom training -- Your evaluation of trainees’ classroom training should involve discussion and interaction, followed by a standardized test. When issuing a written test:
• Review the theory content of the training before giving the test.
• Ensure you are satisfied with the trainees’ level of understanding beforehand.
• Do not leave the room while trainees take the test.
• Collect and grade the test yourself.
• Return graded tests to trainees and review them to help trainees understand their mistakes.

In the field -- The practical evaluation process is conducted quite differently from the training process. When conducting practical evaluations in the field:
• Conduct one-on-one evaluations with each trainee.
• Issue simple tasks, one at a time.
• Move around so you can see, but stay out of the way of the trainee’s peripheral vision.
• You can speak to the trainee but do not coach, training is over.
• Always complete the evaluation regardless of early results; remember you are out there to gather information, not pass or fail.
• Stop the evaluation after six to 10 loads or if it becomes hazardous to continue.
• De-brief operators on their performance in the classroom and in the field. This is the time to clear up any concerns you may have regarding a trainee’s knowledge and/or performance.