Training Innovation Program

The primary purpose of the first phase of the Training Innovation Program is to determine the specific needs of solid waste operators and managers. A comprehensive needs assessment will be undertaken that incorporates focus groups, online surveys, and individual interviews with a sample of all stakeholders (e.g., operators, managers, DCA trainers, subject matter experts, and EPA compliance and regulation professionals). Travel will be primarily limited to Frankfort to conduct focus groups but will also likely include site visits to Kentucky solid waste facilities. The needs assessment will take place in two stages. Stage one will occur between October 15 and December 15, 2012 and will focus primarily on Landfill Operators and Managers. Stage two will occur between April 1 and May 31, 2013 and will focus on Landfarm Operators and Compost Operators. Stage two will follow protocols implemented during stage one of the needs assessment process. The primary purpose of the second phase of the Training Innovation Program is to review, revise, and develop solid waste training curriculum (based upon the comprehensive needs assessment) to ensure training content quality and consistency as well as compliance with federal regulations and mandates. Dr. Lane will work collaboratively with DEP-DCA administrators and trainers (and subject matter experts) to improve the structure and content of training materials (e.g., training manuals, presentation materials, interactive tools). Phase two is segmented into two discrete stages. Stage one will occur between January 2 and March 29, 2013 and focus on developing training materials for two distinct programs. The first will concentrate on Landfill Managers and the second on Landfill Operators. Two manuals will be developed based upon consultation with content matter experts and results of the comprehensive needs assessment. Stage two will occur between June 1 and July 15, 2013 and will involve developing training materials for Landfarm Operators and Compost Operators. The feasibility of a rapid e-learning training solution for KY Compost Operators will also be considered. The primary purpose of the third phase of the Training Innovation Program is evaluation of the training implementation fidelity. This phase is intended to expand training evaluation to include trainer/training fidelity, trainee pre-test post-test knowledge metrics, trainee certification success, and field compliance. Dr. Lane will work collaboratively with DEP-DCA administrators to measure training implementation fidelity. While evaluation is ongoing and will occur during phase one and phase two, the principal effort will occur between July 15 and August 15.