There are moments in life which serve to remind us of the value of sharing knowledge and understanding, and of the joy and fulfilment which can arise with the realisation of new insights. This is a particularly rewarding experience for teachers and trainers, whenever something finally clicks for one or more of their students. These are memorable moments, long and fondly remembered, and always worth recalling.
One special moment that I have, arose during a training session which I was leading with a small group of control and instrumentation technicians, in which we were focussed on a detailed study of power plant protection and tripping systems – covering the what, where, when, why, how and if of the subject (and not forgetting the “who” factor, which also applies in many instances).
In the course of discussing the specifics of HP Heater Bypass systems, I had just explained the location and function of the Final HP Heater Bypass Solenoid Valve, and had noted that it’s operation also initiated a Unit Run-back. As I began to explain why the unit run-back was necessary, I noticed that one of the junior technicians, who was sitting at the front of the group, suddenly sat back, beaming with excitement.
Feeling that it might be worthwhile asking him to share his thoughts, I invited him to do so. With much enthusiasm, he explained that: “Now I know why there is suddenly always so much noise, just when I test that solenoid, it always happens. I just reset the solenoid and go on with the rest of my inspection schedule. Thanks heaps for explaining what is going on!”
Well, and as might be expected, there was a brief moment of silence. I noticed that all but one of the group of six – one of the three senior technicians – seemed to share the excitement of their colleague’s new-found insight. The senior, in a somewhat derisory and admonishing tone, and directly addressing his junior protégé, retorted: “You are only supposed to be INSPECTING – NOT testing or operating anything!”
The young bloke slumped back in his chair, obviously crestfallen, feeling defeated and highly embarrassed – a situation that no teacher or trainer ever wants any student to experience. With the best beaming face that I could muster, and sounding full of enthusiasm, I quickly praised the young technician for his honesty, and for generously sharing his new-found realisation with all of us, adding that we had all benefited greatly from his openness, and especially from the opportunity for further learning that his contribution to the discussion now presented.
Of course, we went on to explore those learning opportunities and, from subsequent feedback, I know that significant benefits were realised, not only by the individuals, but also for the power station and the business itself.
At a supervisory level, the senior technician realised how important it is to ensure that junior staff are properly coached and instructed, and all gained an appreciation of the substantial costs to the organisation of a unit run-back event.
Credit must also be given, in this instance, to the power plant’s general manager who was responsible for procuring and extending this level of training for key vocational groups across the site. He deserves the highest commendation for exercising an often uncommon level of foresight and generosity towards the training and professional development of his staff.
Most importantly, they all realised how vital and valuable it is to share knowledge and skills with colleagues, at all levels and across related vocations. And this is at the heart of our new Forum.
M. Cogitari
[Note that this conversation relates to a particular type of power plant, and that specific plant and control details may not be applicable at other sites. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and are not necessarily shared by the Forum].© Energen Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.