Annual staff training is a great way to get staff buy-in on the best practices for winter operations. With knowledgeable staff at all levels, from decision makers to plow operators, organizations can be intentional about their operations and everyone stays on the same page during winter weather. Through input and guidance from a steering committee of municipal public works staff and county DOT staff, the Salt Smart Collaborative in Northeast Illinois developed Winter Best Practices Training Modules based on local experiences that could be presented as a workshop for operations staff or presented by individual organizations to their own staff. As a pilot test of the training modules, the Salt Smart Collaborative and the Chicago Area Waterways Chloride Workgroup held a “train the trainer” session with several member organizations and provided the modules to those organizations. Feedback was shared by those organizations to improve the modules for future years. This presentation will share key lessons learned from the training development and lessons learned by the participating organizations presenting the training internally to their own staff. Proficiency Level: Applied Session Evaluation: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NFTF3WB
By attending this session, participants will be better able to:
• Promote the importance of annual training as a key piece of winter operations to improve adoption of industry accepted best practices for winter operations.
• Demonstrate how organizations can work together to develop internal training that meets operational needs.
• Share key lessons learned about implementing annual training for winter operations staff.
Contributor/Source
Hanna Miller-Watershed Project Manager
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Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
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CLL
Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Primer
Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
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Public Works Radio is the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA), bringing the stories behind our communities to life. This podcast shines a spotlight on the people and projects that keep our cities running—humanizing the work and the professionals who make it happen. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone.
PWX
PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
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APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
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The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Tech Boxes
A tech box is a PDF take-away that provides information in lists, steps, or defined areas specifically focused on trending technologies.
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