9 Unit School Instructors & OTJ Trainers

Job School Instructors may include any Head Operator or Fully Qualified Operator who meets the pre-determined criteria. In addition, the instructor

• Must have no previous or ongoing commitments to other activities such as shutdowns, special assignments, etc
• Can be removed temporarily from the crew without adversely impacting the crew strength or ability to run the unit safely and effectively

Best practice provides Unit School Instructors time off shift prior to the start of the unit school to review training material and make necessary preparations. The Unit Field Trainer works with selected Job School Instructor to prepare for a class. Refer to the Operations Training Unit School Planning document for details.

9.1 Unit School Instructor

The purpose of the selection process is to ensure qualified Unit School Instructors are chosen to deliver training vital to the development of competent operators. This training includes job specific information including Normal Operation and Emergency Operation. 

The prospective Unit School Instructor must be approved by the STL. Criteria for selection include: 

• Demonstrates interest in instruction, knowledge transfer and skill level of Trainees.
• Attended Train-The-Trainer (TTT) class.
• Reached level of FQO with a minimum of one (1) year of experience on the job(s) to be taught.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication, including effective listening skills.
• Demonstrates personal and process safety and process knowledge of the job(s), specific to these schools.
• Possesses basic computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Power Point, Word, or willingness and ability to learn, in the absence of present skills is acceptable.
• Possesses knowledge of Refinery Intranet information (i.e. SDS, Electronic Operating Manual)
• Initiative and desire to perform above average in job assignments. Shows motivation in performing daily tasks and willingness to learn and exceed minimum requirements.
• Willingness to work with Unit Field Trainer to ensure training material is up to date, and KR-998 Attendance Records are forwarded to the LMS Specialist in Learning and Development.

The UFT maintains an Instructor Directory which is a list of instructors and the unit schools and CRO schools each instructor is eligible to teach. The directory is made available to STLs when Instructors are needed, to ensure the most eligible and available HO/Operator is selected to conduct training.

9.2 On-the-Job Trainer

The STL will designate a qualified OTJ trainer to conduct Shadow Training. A qualified OTJ trainer is a Qualified Operator on the specified job. Use of an operator trainee as an OTJ is not recommended; however, business needs may dictate such. The OTJ Trainer is assigned to work with the Trainee/Operator during the Shadow Training phase.

A trainee/operator is under the guidance of the trainer and assigned crew. The trainee/operator is not responsible for other jobs during this phase of training. They may participate in job related activities under direction and in the presence of the assigned trainer. A trainee/operator may walk through the plant unescorted during the break-in phase, however, they will not perform any job-related activities unless under the direct supervision of the assigned trainer. 

The trainer will use the Break-in Guide (Solo Checklist) as a guide during Pre-Job School and Post Job School Shadow. Other tools that may be used include the Electronic Operating Manual, Daily Turnovers, P&IDs, etc.