STEP 4: Training and Staff Development

The Training and Staff Development phase begins early in the Installation with the development of documentation, business systems, and hiring.  Although principally marked by a core training of guides, it extends to include coaching and consulting for the operations team and ongoing assessment and development initiatives.  The principal goals of the Training Phase are:

1. Guide development of business operations and staff development systems
2. Achieve required core competencies among staff sufficient to run the tour at anticipated levels
3. Formalize risk management plans and procedures, including the development of internal business processes, documentation, and development of relationships with local emergency resources.
4. Assess program operations with intial groups and provide guidance during tour launch.

Overview

The Training and Staff Development phase can be further divided into several phases:

1. Transition from the installation phase to operations
2. Formalization of training materials, supplements, and business materials
3. Conduct intensive training sessions with staff
4. Lead mock and live tours
5. Tour opening to the public
6. Consulting and development of ongoing training processes

The amount of training required by canopy tour guides will vary greatly depending on the scope of skills required and aims of the program.  It is important to ensure that in addition to technical training, that adequate time is budgetted for medical training, environmental training, and mock tours.  Following initial training, review and assessment schedules will be arranged along with ongoing practice sessions, on-the-job training, and operations setup consulting sessions.