When was the last time your team received training? Was it during their initial onboarding, never to be revisited? Or do you have a structured, recurrent training program that keeps everyone sharp and up-to-date? From ab-initio training to regular refreshers, upgrade courses, and new software rollouts, consistent and effective training is crucial in maintaining a high-performing team and a successful Operations Control Centre (OCC).
And here’s a follow up question: how do you measure the effectiveness of your training? Do your managers know if the training is actually sinking in, or is it simply a box ticking exercise?
Training That Matches the Needs of Your OCC
Training can take many forms—whether in-person, virtual, or self-paced—but the key to successful training isn’t just in how it’s delivered; it’s in how well it’s aligned with the needs of each department and how those needs interact with the broader operation. A central department overseeing training across the OCC can ensure that the training reflects not just the technical skills required but also the understanding of how each role impacts the business as a whole.
There’s a significant distinction between technical training and business training. Every department in the OCC needs to cover the essentials—keeping staff current on new technologies, regulatory requirements, and evolving best practices. But technical know-how is only half the battle. The real edge comes when teams understand how their processes, actions, and decisions ripple through the entire operation.
Training for the Big Picture
Imagine this: a Flight Dispatcher makes a last-minute decision without understanding how it affects Crew Scheduling or Maintenance Planning. Or the commercial team adjusts a schedule without considering the operational impact. These are not just hypothetical scenarios—they happen all the time! Proper training ensures that every team member understands not just their role but how their actions impact the business as a whole.
This is why training must go beyond ticking boxes. It’s about fostering a holistic understanding that connects the dots between departments, enabling smarter decisions that benefit the entire operation.
Is Your Trainer “Current”?
Another critical factor is the trainer’s relevance. Are those responsible for delivering training up-to-date with the current requirements of the job? For some roles, like Flight Crew, Flight Dispatchers, or Load Controllers, it’s essential for trainers to be current practitioners to maintain credibility and effectiveness. For others, like Crew Schedulers or Operations Controllers, having recent practical experience may be beneficial but not mandatory.
The saying goes, “Those who can’t do, teach,” but in the high-stakes environment of aviation, this approach doesn’t always cut it. The cost-benefit analysis of having trainers who are “current” should not be overlooked. In some cases, the investment in practical knowledge pays off by delivering more insightful, relevant training that directly benefits the operation.
Measuring Training Effectiveness
The ultimate test of any training program is its impact on performance. Are your teams better equipped to handle disruptions? Are they making more informed decisions? Are they aware of how their actions impact the broader operation? Training should be evaluated not just on attendance and completion but on how well it enhances the skills, knowledge, and interdepartmental understanding of your staff.
The Bottom Line
Effective training in the OCC goes beyond teaching technical skills. It’s about creating a cohesive, well-informed workforce that understands the broader context of their roles. By investing in continuous, relevant training that bridges technical and business needs, you’re not just meeting regulatory requirements—you’re driving the overall success of your operation.
If you’re unsure where your training stands or how to better integrate it across your departments, our OCC Healthcheck can provide valuable insights tailored to your needs.
