• Home
  • Services
    • Services Overview
    • Technical Training
    • Plant Engineering
    • Technology Transfer
    • Short Course Catalog
  • Industries Served
    • Power Generation
    • District Energy
    • Transmission & Distribution
    • Pulp and Paper
    • Water and Wastewater Treatment
    • Beverage
    • Heavy Industry
  • Who We Are
    • Our Team
    • Experience
    • Careers
  • Blog
  • Contact us
Combined Cycle Plant with red and yellow piping and blue sky
Training on Chillers and the Power Plant Refrigeration Cycle
January 25, 2018
Engineer wearing hard hat and safety vest, using radio to communicate with power plant operators.
Computerized Maintenance Management Software
February 6, 2018
Show all

Maintenance Training and Qualification Programs

Published by James Wiggins at January 29, 2018
Two Oil and Gas Workers in front of Combined Cycle Plant piping

When most think of qualifications at power plants, their minds usually turn toward power plant operations training. However, it is important not to lose sight of other power plant training and qualification programs that are not directly related to operation of the power plant. The training and qualification of Maintenance personnel is an important and necessary component of every power plant. Having up-to-date, effective, and comprehensive maintenance qualification and training programs will minimize downtime, increase operational availability, and improve the efficiency of your power plant.

Maintenance training and qualification programs will help plant personnel obtain the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in their positions at the power plant. Managers should ensure that they have a program in place to take advantage of these benefits. Doing so will increase profits by reducing the amount of rework, injuries, and equipment damage.

Successful maintenance training and qualification programs at power plants are typically divided into three main areas: Mechanical, E&I, and Welding. Each position typically has various levels that must be qualified on in order to move through the program. For example, a new hire may first qualify as an entry-level mechanic, which would train them to conduct routine inspections and simple maintenance, such as component greasing and oil changes. After some time, they may proceed to qualify as a mid-level mechanic where they would obtain the skills to perform more complex maintenance tasks, such as air compressor overhauls. Training and qualifying power plant workers in this manner helps them to build experience, while acquiring additional skills they learn along the way.

If a power plant training department does not have a maintenance training and qualification program, they should strive to attain one. Managers may develop one in house or bring in outside contractors to develop the program. Either way, a program should be implemented so that the power plant may get the most from its people.

Lastly, managers must ensure that their maintenance qualification and training programs are updated periodically. Over time, new tools, equipment, and regulations can outdate a program and cause the program to lose its credibility. Consistently updating the program with required maintenance on newly installed equipment, changes in regulations, and with instructions on how to use new tools will ensure Maintenance personnel view the program as something that helps them do their job and not as a hindrance.

Share
Tweet
Share
Pin
James Wiggins
James Wiggins
James Wiggins is a Project Manager/Principal Specialist with FCS. He provides engineering and technical services in support of operations and maintenance programs for fossil-fueled power plants, independent power producers, process plants, and energy-producing plants. As a former Mechanical Operator and Staff Instructor for the U.S. Navy, he was responsible for the initial qualification of students at the Nuclear Power Prototype. James is experienced in multiple training methods including one-on-one instruction, classroom instruction, and simulator operations.

Related posts

January 20, 2022

Overview of Boiler Pressure (Turbine Throttle Pressure) Control


Read more
October 11, 2021

Setting SMART Training Goals


Read more
Two power plant workers with documentation
January 21, 2021

Upgrading your Plant: Is Vendor Training Enough?


Read more

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Categories

  • Maintenance
  • Operations
  • Power Plant Fundamentals
  • Power Plant Simulation
  • Qualifications and Training
  • Regulations
  • Safety
  • Uncategorized

Recent Posts

  • 0
    Acid Gas
    May 9, 2022
  • 0
    District Energy: What is it?
    April 27, 2022
  • 0
    SWFGD Primer – Coastal Elite?
    April 14, 2022

Recent Blog Posts

  • 0
    Acid Gas
    May 9, 2022
  • 0
    District Energy: What is it?
    April 27, 2022
  • 0
    SWFGD Primer – Coastal Elite?
    April 14, 2022

Fossil Consulting Services, Inc.

6325 Woodside Court, Suite 222
Columbia, Maryland 21046
Telephone: (410) 312-6240
Email: FCS@FossilConsulting.com

NEW FCS Logo_White
© 2022 Fossil Consulting Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.