IWCF initiative to raise the bar for trainer quality

The International Well Control Forum (IWCF) is launching a new training scheme for professionals delivering critical safety courses in the oil and gas sector.

The new project aligns with the OGP 476 recommendations following Macondo, which demand a consistently high standard of instruction for well control training with certification and regular evaluation processes in place.

The three day ‘Train the Trainer’ course will provide deeper understanding of learning behaviours and the effectiveness of communication activities to help long-term-memory and skill application. This aims to challenge current trainer beliefs and help to further embed positive safety culture in the offshore environment to avoid well-related tragedy.

A pilot course has been delivered with plans to roll out further training over the coming months. Bob Baister, Completions & Well Interventions Learning and Development Leader at Shell, took part in the pilot session. He said: “There is currently no official verification for those delivering course material, and well control training is far too important not to have that in place. It cannot be a tick box exercise aimed solely at passing a test.

“The OGP recommendations have brought in an obligation for formal training and the IWCF course fills that gap. The industry needs qualified and high quality trainers to deliver this crucial subject matter. This will be a useful course to ensure competence is tested and maintained to deliver well control courses at the highest level.”

‘Train the Trainer’ supports classroom delivery and also aids candidates with the development of training materials and activities. IWCF is also driving to attain stricter assessor training as audits revealed a lack of consistency in the effectiveness of practical course assessment. All new assessors are now required to go through IWCF training as part of the ongoing accreditation requirements.

David Price, Chief Executive Officer of IWCF said: “Trainers essentially have the safety of the workforce in their hands. You can have the best resources in the world, but if the training delivery isn’t up to scratch then it voids the merit of the material. We need the capability of participants in well control training to be of a high standard, but that can only be assured by building a strong foundation of trainer competence.

“We have the OGP 476 recommendations at the heart of what we are doing to improve the delivery and success of well control training. Our wider efforts thread through all aspects; from course materials and assessment to the trainers themselves.”

Dave Price, CEO of IWCF.

IWCF is committed to creating a step-change in well control knowledge and is currently investing in new facilities in Montrose to enhance training for assessors and instructors, including the use of simulators to replicate real-life scenarios.

The organisation recently announced that it will launch a new Level 1 online awareness course focussing on the life cycle of a well, aimed at everyone working in the oil and gas industry and those planning on entering the sector. IWCF is also establishing technical taskforces involving industry specialists to help drive up the quality of well control training, ensuring it remains current and relevant.

Founded by the oil and gas operators, IWCF is an independent, not for profit organisation with elected representatives and a global network of branches, representing the entire industry. Headquartered in Montrose, UK, IWCF administers well control training, assessment and certification programmes. Since 1992, IWCF has certified over 160 000 people in almost every continent through 222 accredited training centres.

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/03092014/iwcf-initiative-to-raise-the-bar-for-trainer-quality/