In the ever-evolving landscape of commercial building operations and maintenance, staying ahead of the curve is essential for professionals to deliver optimal performance. One of the most effective ways to achieve excellence in this field is through on-the-job (OTJ) training opportunities.

Building engineers, responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of facilities, can benefit from continuous learning experiences and exposure to the challenges they face in their day-to-day responsibilities.

The Need for OTJ Training in Building Operations and Maintenance:

Building engineers play a critical role in the efficient operation and maintenance of commercial structures. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, from overseeing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to managing electrical and plumbing systems. As technology advances and buildings become more sophisticated, the need for building engineers to adapt and acquire new skills becomes increasingly evident.

OTJ training serves as a practical and dynamic approach to skill development. Unlike traditional classroom-based learning, OTJ training immerses professionals in real-world scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge directly to their daily tasks. This hands-on experience not only enhances technical skills but also fosters problem-solving abilities and critical thinking – essential qualities for successful building engineers.

Advantages of OTJ Training:

Immediate Application of Knowledge:
Training OTJ provides a platform for building engineers to apply theoretical concepts immediately. This facilitates a seamless transition from learning to implementation, enabling professionals to grasp the practical implications of their knowledge.

Here are some important questions to ask. If you lead a building engineering team, are you looking for these opportunities to enhance your team? If you are starting your career in building engineering, are you asking and seeking these opportunities from your leadership.

Real-world Problem Solving:

Building operations and maintenance often involve troubleshooting unexpected issues. OTJ training exposes engineers to real-world problems, allowing them to hone their problem-solving skills and develop the ability to think on their feet.

This might inspire some additional opportunities for leaders to consider. Can you identify the opportunity that arises from the next next issue or problem that you face at your property? Through ongoing communication and assessment of your building engineering team members, spot the opportunity to bring them alongside for an exercise in leadership, troubleshooting and decision-making?

In the rush to fix the issue, did you pass over a valuable learning opportunity for a member of your team?

For those looking to advance their career, have you run into an issue and failed to inquire with your leadership about how to approach a solution? While it is desirable to resolve an issue quickly, there may be time to invite a more experienced member of your team to consult with you on the matter at hand. Of course, if there is no time to wait, consider opportunities for a debrief to discuss lessons learned.

Customized Learning Experience:

Every building has its unique set of challenges and systems. OTJ training can be tailored to the specific needs of a building, ensuring that engineers gain expertise in the systems and equipment they work with regularly.

Embracing technology, simulation and virtual reality training offer immersive experiences for building engineers. These tools simulate real-world scenarios, allowing engineers to practice their skills in a controlled environment. This approach is particularly effective for training on complex or hazardous equipment. Consider the possibilities from emerging technologies like digital twins.

At my company, we have formed a partnership with Aetos Imaging to assist in the transition of start-up information and documentation from construction to operations. One of the ways we do this is by capturing the owner’s training provided by the GCs and adding it to the Aetos platform. This information is then utilized to train any new team member that comes on board at any time. Additionally, we use these records for reference when operating the building, making informed decisions, and troubleshooting issues. Another useful feature we use almost weekly is the equipment tagging within the platform. With this feature, we can access all the information on every piece of equipment in the building including owner’s manuals, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting videos, service reports, and preventative maintenance checklists. All we need to do is click on the tag in the scan or scan the QR code and we have access to all the information we need.

Team Collaboration and Communication:

Building engineers seldom work in isolation. OTJ training encourages collaboration with colleagues and other professionals involved in facility management. This promotes effective communication and teamwork, essential for the smooth operation of any commercial building.

At your next operations meeting, could you take 10 or 15 minutes to explore team communications, preferences and procedures? Ask members of the team how they prefer to receive communications. Explore if this preference changes depending on priority of the communication. Identify in this meeting what scenarios might warrant the opportunity for OTJ training opportunities. Don’t forget that reviewing team roles, opportunities for collaboration and enhanced communication can be OTJ training too.

OTJ Training for Building Engineers:

Where can building chief engineers and operations team members find easily accessible OTJ training?

Manufacturer Training Programs:

Many equipment and system manufacturers offer specialized training programs for building engineers. These programs provide in-depth knowledge about the installation, operation, and maintenance of specific equipment. Participating in these programs ensures that engineers are well-versed in the latest technologies and best practices.

Why not go to the proverbial ‘horse’s mouth?’ We are reaching out to our service providers and manufacturers to provide training on the equipment we manage. Ronnie Moore (formerly of Regent Partners) taught me and other engineers this method. We reached out to the manufacturer of our underground storage tank for diesel fuel to provide training on the maintenance program for fuel storage. As the chief engineer and start-up chief for my asset management team, I can request the equipment manufacturer during owners’ training at turnover to provide insight into the maintenance programs. Whenever you install new equipment, make sure the installer arranges for a manufacturer representative to provide training. If necessary, you can contact the manufacturer yourself to schedule the training. Furthermore, the best way to set these training opportunities up is to contact your service providers. Get the training included into the service contracts and make it an annual training to keep your team up to date on the latest technology and best practices.

Internship Programs:

Collaborating with educational institutions to establish internship programs can be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Building engineers can mentor students, providing them with real-world insights, while gaining additional support for routine tasks. This not only enhances the skills of the building engineers but also contributes to the development of future professionals in the field.

The Building Owners and Managers Association of Georgia (BOMA Georgia) worked with the association’s BOMA Technical Organization (BTO) for building engineers to develop a 5-module Commercial HVAC Certificate program with Chattahoochee Tech, a local technical college. The program includes instruction from expert HVAC technicians and building engineering professionals. Those who complete all 5 modules earn their certificate, without having to pursue the traditional associate degree that might be a requirement with similar programs elsewhere.

Cross-Training Initiatives:

Cross-training involves exposing building engineers to various aspects of facility management. For example, an engineer specialized in HVAC systems could undergo training in electrical systems, broadening their skill set. This not only makes them versatile professionals but also ensures a more comprehensive understanding of building operations.

This requires leaders and team members to know the strengths and weaknesses of other team members. See “Team Collaboration and Communication” above. With this understanding, it becomes possible to look for these cross-training opportunities for members of your team to bolster skill sets in less-developed areas of their professionalism.

In-House Training Workshops:

Organizations can organize in-house training workshops conducted by industry experts. These workshops can cover a range of topics, from emerging technologies to best practices in building operations and maintenance. In-house training allows organizations to address specific challenges faced by their building engineers.

This type of training can be created and tailored to each specific company and building. Alternatively, in-house training can include outside expertise. See “Manufacturer Training Programs” above.

Check with the professional association or organization in your field. They might be able to offer your company additional resources for training at low or no cost.

Professional Development Courses:

Encouraging building engineers to pursue professional development courses and certifications is another avenue for OTJ training. Organizations can sponsor relevant courses or certifications that align with the skills needed for their specific building operations. Some of these opportunities were previously mentioned earlier.

Whether you are reading this as an industry veteran, or you are new to the industry, just know that there is a world of certificates, certifications and designations that exist for building engineers. These programs can offer senior-level professionals the chance to revisit their fundamentals and learn about changes in best practices and technologies. For those new to the industry, you can begin to explore the possibilities and career pathways that await you in your career as a building engineer.

Next Steps

In the dynamic realm of commercial building operations and maintenance, OTJ training emerges as a crucial catalyst for success. Building engineers, tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the functionality of complex structures, can greatly benefit from continuous learning experiences that mimic the challenges they encounter in their roles.

By embracing a variety of OTJ training opportunities, companies can empower their building engineers to adapt to new technologies, troubleshoot effectively, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the facilities they manage. In doing so, they pave the way for a future where building operations and maintenance professionals are not just skilled but are also prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of commercial facilities.

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