Haland Learning Inc.

16 years after starting as a Safety Consultant, my dream of having our own space is FINALLY being realized.

We open tomorrow, and our first open enrolment course is running tomorrow.

Nicola Van Der Laars, Justin Hamilton and I have been putting in a LOT of hours, time and effort to get the space ready.

2-5608 Goring St
Burnaby, BC

Our Haland Instructor training will be running soon, and will blow the doors off what’s considered “regular instructor training”. I cannot wait!!!

https://lnkd.in/gnUrg3xb

As much as we can, we remove clutter and distractions from the classroom.

It should be setup well before anyone would arrive, and all items have to be cleanly placed.

It may sound stupid, or over the top… but we need people to not just feel cared about (as posted yesterday), but confident.

An organized and professional environment helps set that expectation, and make it easier to get straight to learning rather than trying to regain any lost credibility.

The quiet just before class starts. Nicola, our online learning manager is delivering the in person version of our Fall Protection course.

Priorities we have in any class setup.

1. A comfortable and professional space.

2. Equipment for everyone to physically interact with.

3. Being setup before anyone arrives and giving participants time to get comfortable before class starts.

THIS is why it takes absolutely ALL of my abilities when creating and delivering training.

Another session on how to deliver effective training.

We ask participants to teach ANY topic they want. This helps:

1. Increase motivation
2. Share their passion
3. Minimize nerves
4. Focus on the process

Here, we got to learn how to make gnocchi. We actually made it, and ate it in class. No slideshow. No handouts.

Effective training follows the same process whether it’s a 5 minute toolbox talk, or a 4 year degree.

In this weeks custom two-day Essentials in Supervisory Skills for FRPD - Fraser River Pile and Dredge’s team, we invested time in practicing effective training skills.

The caveat is they can teach ANY topic they desire. The goal is to practice “the process” of delivering effective training.

By allowing people to teach ANY topic, we shore up confident and passion. This allows students the mental space to focus on the process.

There are big things on the horizon for our staff, clients and colleagues.

Some deep innovation, long days and getting the right people “on the bus”.

Any words of encouragement are welcomed.

My passion scares the s**t out of me.

=========

I was meeting with a friend/business colleague the other day. The topic was me being able to focus 100% of my energy on training & instructor development.

The idea of this creates an emotional wall.

The wall is my passion.

I absof**kinglutelywithallmysoul love developing learning. When I'm able to get 'in the zone, I don't want to sleep. I don't want to take days off.

He kinda laughed.

I explained that developing learning used so much of my brain. I get to take on the perspective of 5 people.

1. The learner. Anyone from an inexperienced person to a 30-year veteran... will likely be in the same class. How can I design learning to support both of them?

2. The families and loved ones of the learner. Am I doing my absolute best to ensure the learner GAINS real-life value from the training to protect their life at work? The families and loved ones of the learner are relying on that person to come home. It would break my heart if any of our learning contributed to someone's death. And I believe wholeheartedly that training accomplishes a lot more than getting a 'certification card'. I take this mission seriously.

3. The instructor. How would an instructor be able to follow the lesson plans, keep the class at a world-class level, yet ALSO be able to add their own authenticity to training?

4. Certification agencies. How would they be able to view/review the course and verify that quality systems have been put into place?

5. Employers. How would they view the course and feel confident knowing their workers got relevant, engaging, and diligent training?

6. Competitors. How would they view the training in a way that helps them feel good about theirs, yet also inspire them to raise the bar? If we ALL do better than our standards can help the industry as a whole.

PS - Instructional design is also THE HARDEST thing for me to do. It takes every ounce of my intellectual abilities and leaves me drained. And I love it :)

We had the pleasure of partnering with Fernando De Melo,CHSC,CME,CSE , Adrian Mac Donnell at Pacific Safety Consulting Group Inc. to deliver an onsite technical Confined Space awareness session for the YVR Engineering group.

(Note: this part of the site did not pose any overhead hazards).

1. Notice some smiles?

Being happy while learning enables better retention of material. https://lnkd.in/e7EwHUq

2. Notice the seating arrangement. A semi-circle shape promotes engagement more than a straight row of chairs.

https://lnkd.in/g7j85eAV

Nearly every aspect of training from conception, to design, to delivery and follow up is deliberate.

Enthusiasm + Practice + Consistency = Worth it

=========

In 1998, I attended a 5-day Military First Aid Instructor Program right before the Christmas holidays. I came home to visit my parents for the holiday... and brought a ton of triangular bandages with me.

I spent a good chunk of that time thinking about how to teach better and practicing my donut bandaging.

Here we are. 23 years later. It's 10:00 pm on Friday night. I've been working since 7:00 am on course development. Sure, I could phone it in and get the work done sooner. But. I Love. It!

I love building learning activities, or simplifying concepts, or spending an hour on an idea only to delete it because the idea won't add value to the students.

I'll be working all day tomorrow and on Sunday to get this deliverable done.

If enthusiasm hasn't dampened after 23 years. That's a good sign