Josh Anderson, Maintenance Planner at Kansas City Medical, and Cristobal Buenrostro, Electrical Superintendent, have spent the past year revamping their facilities technician training using Interplay Learning. Their innovative program enhances technical skills through interactive, engaging content, ensuring their team is equipped to manage Kansas City Medical’s complex infrastructure.
One Year In
It’s been a year since Cris and I introduced Interplay Learning at Kansas City Medical, and what a journey it has been!
As the Maintenance Planner here, overseeing thousands of mechanical assets and a dedicated team of technicians, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact this platform has on our facilities maintenance training, operations, and people.
Cristobal Buenrostro, the Electrical Superintendent at Kansas City Medical, has been instrumental in upgrading our training. As my right-hand man, Cris oversees all electrical systems, from high-voltage to low-voltage, managing the maintenance and upgrades of our electrical infrastructure. He literally keeps the lights on, and his hands-on approach to training technicians has been invaluable.
Before Interplay
Enhancing our training program came from a pressing need to ensure our technicians were equipped with up-to-date skills and knowledge. We manage about 6,000 mechanical assets spread across 45 buildings, covering a variety of structures, including research labs, schoolhouses, and nursing programs. Our team of 14 technicians, divided into three zones (north, central, and south), handles everything from plumbing to electrical to commercial tasks. The challenge was to provide them with baseline training that was both comprehensive and engaging.
Interplay Learning came to our attention through a technician’s recommendation and a particularly insightful Interplay YouTube video about flame sensor troubleshooting. It was clear this platform could offer something our previous vendor-specific training programs couldn’t: an ongoing, structured, interactive, and engaging learning experience.
Rolling Out the Program
We started with a pilot program involving ten technicians of varying skill levels. The goal was to assess Interplay’s effectiveness before a broader rollout. We developed specific training pathways for four technician levels, from introductory skills to advanced troubleshooting and supervisory roles. Each level had customized courses designed to cater to our technicians’ varying expertise and needs.
Technicians are expected to train for at least one hour a week. We have a training center set up with VR headsets where techs can learn and grow their skills. The initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciate the layout of the courses, the 3D simulations, and the short, interactive videos that make learning more engaging.
The Role of Simulations and VR
Technology has played a crucial role in the success of our training program. Interplay’s interactive 3D sims and VR have been particularly effective in keeping technicians engaged. The ability to learn at their own pace and revisit any course at any time has also been a significant advantage. Even Cris flew through Interplay’s EPA courses and earned his EPA 608 certificate!
Adam Anderson, one of our technicians, expressed how much he enjoys the content and how it keeps him focused. His feedback reflects the broader sentiment among our team—that Interplay’s interactive and self-guided nature is both effective and engaging.
One of the highlights for our techs has been the points system within Interplay. Each technician watches the leaderboard closely, striving to be at the top. This friendly competition adds an element of fun and motivation, pushing everyone to do their best.
The Skills Shortage
Interplay Learning has significantly improved our hiring process by allowing us to bring in individuals with little to no experience and quickly bring them up to speed. Learning paths help provide a standardized baseline of knowledge, enabling us to level-set skills across all new hires. Additionally, Interplay’s diverse course offerings allow us to cross-train technicians in various areas such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, ensuring they become versatile, multi-skilled craftsmen. This approach not only fills immediate skill gaps but also prepares our team for future challenges, fostering a more competent and adaptable workforce.
Expanding the Program
As we enter the second year with Interplay, the positive impact is becoming more apparent. The structured and interactive format helps our technicians improve their skills and facilitates a culture of continuous learning and development. The demand for the program is growing, and we plan to expand the number of users from 10 to 25.
Looking ahead, we aim to make Interplay an even more integral part of our technician development program by tying incentives and promotions to training. In our line of work, we understand the need to do more to retain our talent, and this step will be crucial for maintaining the high quality of service that Kansas City Medical is known for.
We are also exploring ways to make training more accessible so technicians can access courses on their iPads, allowing them to learn from anywhere. This flexibility will be a game-changer, especially for those who prefer learning on the go.
Using Spanish Content
Another significant aspect of our training program growth is including Spanish content. Interplay offers a range of courses in Spanish, which we know will be a game-changer for some of our team members struggling with English.
By having the ability to provide training in their native language, we ensure that these technicians can fully understand and engage with the material. This not only enhances their learning experience but also boosts their confidence and competence in their roles so they can grow their careers. Cris and I are looking forward to seeing a marked improvement in the performance of these technicians, further validating the inclusivity and effectiveness of Interplay’s training.
Celebrating Success
Reflecting on the past year, it’s clear that the introduction of Interplay has been a success. We’ve seen improved skills, increased engagement, and a stronger culture of continuous learning among our technicians. The program has also helped us identify areas for improvement and provided us with the tools to address them.
One of the most satisfying aspects of this journey has been seeing our technicians grow and excel. Whether it’s Adam staying focused and engaged with the content or other technicians climbing the leaderboard, the progress has been inspiring.
This training center is something that Cristobal and I have created to give our technicians a place to go and continue to learn and grow within their skills using Interplay. As we move forward, we’re excited to expand the program, integrate new Interplay content, and continue to celebrate the successes of our incredible team.
Here’s to another year of growth, learning, and excellence. With Cris by my side and the support of our dedicated technicians, the future looks bright for Kansas City Medical’s facilities training program.
