Training Discussions - Recent Threads

Is BOMI Worth It?

Hoss — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:03:35 GMT

Does anyone know any thing about BOMI? I saw a post that recommended them. I was wondering if any of you out there had any experience with their Facilities Management Certificate. Does it actually teach you useful information or is it just a way to add a few more letters after your name for the designation course?

How do you want your training delivered?

MajorMark — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:17:00 GMT

In my years in this industry, I have learned that continual exposure to training is essential to success. With the varied types of equipment, power sources and technologies that we are deluged with daily, no one person is capable of remembering all of the key aspects of each variable we are charged with maintaining or managing. There are many sorts of training opportunities available for us to participate in. From brief lectures, multiple-day hands-on seminars, DVD's, books, tapes, to on-line forums and webinars, we are all faced with many choices. Does watching a recorded presentation enable us to troubleshoot a complex technical issue, or should our learning be enriched through interaction with an instructor and/or peers?

I have always held that people learn more through their fingertips than they do through their eyes and ears; meaning that I prefer a hands-on opportunity to learn above all other methods of delivery. Does that make me different from the rest of the world?

I'm hoping that you'll share some of your personal perspectives in answering the question posed here. As a strong advocate for continuing education, I look forward to hearing from you.

Never stop learning!

How do you want training delivered?

MajorMark — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:12:56 GMT

I'm hoping that you'll share some of your personal perspectives in answering the question posed here. As a strong advocate for continuing education, I look forward to hearing from you.

Never stop learning!

Related Courses

phogat — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:50:48 GMT

Hey I'm working as facility executive(soft services) with CITIBANK, INDIA for the last three months and I've done bachelors in international hospitality and business management. Now I'm looking for any masters program if you have any course or info about this topic then please revert.

I want to study abroad and for which course should I go for?????

Looking for Education

bklee1025 — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:36:11 GMT

My boss has asked me to find training that would help further my knowledge in Facilities Management. Does anyone know of any good 1, 2, or 3 days seminars in boilers, generators, HVAC, Commercial Electricity, etc. or anything that would be good to learn moving forward? He is willing to pay for it and I am more than willing to take it. Travel would be fine if necessary.

Thank You

HVAC Controls Education that Covers the Gammut

MajorMark — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:10:02 GMT

Plant operators, building maintenance personnel and service technicians are continually faced with the convergence of the many technologies that are currently employed to operate our buildings' mechanical systems. From emerging wireless technologies, the millennial integration of electronic systems, all the way back to the pneumatic schemes of the 1940's, 50's & 60's, we expect our staffs to maintain all of these systems within operational standards at all time.

With the cacophony that is "automatic building controls", it's a good idea to allow your personnel to participate in refresher courses from time to time. Encouraging your staff to participate in training helps to demonstrate YOUR interest in their performance. It demonstrates to them that you understand their workload, and are willing to help them to stay on top of their game, technologically speaking. Of course there's the added benefit of the higher efficiencies you'll realize as result of their ability to interface, at a higher level, with your mechanical and electrical systems. Now, we're talking true green!!

Here are a couple of opportunities for your staffs to dip in to the well of knowledge of a couple of different controls technologies: https://www.neccdelivers.com/trainingscheduleREG.asp.

Consider sending them. Don't ever hesitate to invest in their continued education. Your investment will pay you great dividends.

Create a learning organization, just take time to consider how people learn by Jeff Shiver, CMRP, CPMM

Tammi Pickett — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:01:48 GMT

Before you attempt to ask people to learn something new, you should take a few minutes to diagnose their needs and how they might learn best. See, not everyone learns the same way, at the same rate, or has the same background or experiences that you do. At the end of the day, you aren’t the one learning, they are. Let me share a few experiences with you to highlight the point.

I’m often asked to engage with individuals or groups in a coaching fashion to help them address or overcome some issue that the organization is facing. It was during one of these sessions that I was sitting with two front-line supervisors that were discussing the lack of motivation of some of their team. As a side note, when supervision and leadership issues like this come up, I always try to get people to look in the mirror first; a moment of reflection to see if they themselves are the issue. Anyway, they went on to cite how they had developed a ton of procedural documentation that existed in the computer. They complained that the people would not go and pull up the information to facilitate the job and errors were being made. Probing later in the conversation, I asked how the team handled email activities. Basically not at all was the reply. One laughed and recalled a story about one of their reports recently getting an email from his daughter. He threw up his hands and asked the Supervisor how he could reply back to her. The Supervisor short on time and knowing the level of difficultly required to effectively answer, simply told him to “call Susan”, the worker’s daughter. He was implying for him to pick up the phone. The worker looked at the computer and loudly told the computer to “call Susan” expecting fully that the computer would allow him to respond to her email in that fashion. True story! And this supervisor is the same one expecting that gentleman to open procedures constantly to do the job and without training to improve those skills. While the individual most definitely can learn, it will not happen overnight.

Back when I was a practitioner (which was only a very few years ago, mind you), I worked beside individuals who were every effective at doing the same repetitive types of maintenance and production jobs every day. Talking with them, you would have assumed that they had at least a high school education. In the end, some did and some didn’t but that didn’t take away from the fact that that they were hard workers. I started noticing that some individuals tended to distance themselves from computers and manuals as an example. When I started digging deeper, I found out that they could not READ. No these were not old-timers; one was in his mid-30’s and a high school graduate. They were masters at hiding what most would consider a handicap in today’s society. They had learned to adapt and survive. You can image how that impacted their ability to take on new tasks or learn from equipment manuals when a new machine came in. When they completed a work order, you didn’t expect much detail in the closing statements. As a side bar, when things like this are discovered; you really need to work with Human Resources to help the individuals raise their skills in these areas.

Separately, there are a surprising number of people with learning disabilities; many of whom were never diagnosed at an early age. Learning disabilities are problems that affect the brain’s ability to receive, process, analyze, or store information. There are many different types. It’s never too late to seek out help. One supervisor I know shared that his children struggled keeping up in school until he learned of their disability. He spends thousands of dollars every year in special learning programs designed to teach those with the disabilities on how to better comprehend the material. It really paid off for his children. I know of one mechanic who is great on his tools but really struggles with reading documents. When you give the individual a document with a lot of text, the words reverse themselves when he attempts to read it. As such, he doesn’t do well on tests as an example and it’s hindered his ability to advance in the workplace.

I encourage you to create a learning organization. Just keep in mind that not everyone learns the same way or at the same speed so take a few minutes to consider your methods prior to starting. Put processes in place to measure the results and allow people the opportunity to apply what they learned immediately.

What other recommendations do you have in creating a learning organization or addressing how people learn?

Technical Training Opportunities at Annual Convention - July 14, 2010

MajorMark — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:55:52 GMT

In conjunction with the annual meeting of the National Association of Power Engineers, there will be 4 half-day technical training opportunities presented:

- Intro to Green Buildings and LEED-EB

- Scroll Compressor Fundamentals

- Cooling Tower Maintenance & Water Treatment

- Energy Conservation Strategies for Commercial Buildings.

Each course is designed to enhance the participants overall understanding of the respective topics.

Who should attend? Operating engineers and maintenance personnel, service and mechanical contractors, facility supervisors and managers.

For further details and registration information follow this link: http://www.napenational.org/news/convention.html

How to get started toward LEED certification

michael_rickard_elkman — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:57:20 GMT

I have seen a lot of articles inregards to LEED and am interested in how to get started in achieving certification? Is there a start point I can move forward with? Looking for HELP.

industrial maintenance training instructors needed

mpactjed — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:43:53 GMT

My company, MPACT Maintenance & Reliabity Solutions, is expanding and looking for qualified instructors in electrical and mechanical areas to teach hands on classes, primarily in the NC area. Please go to our website,www.mpactsolutions.com, to see what we offer. We need part-time, contract employees who have extensive experience in industrial maintenance and/or teaching of electrical and mechanical continuing education classes.

Feel free to email me for more information, with recommendations, or with suggestions on how to locate these individuals.

jed@mpactsolutions.com

Electrical Training?

ElectricalTraining — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:56:29 GMT

I'm doing some research. Are Facilities Managers interested in High Voltage Electrical Safety Training? Check out http://www.eiti.us and let me know you think this audience would be interested in worker training around high voltage overhead and underground transmission wires, distribution and substations.

Technician Training

Chris Matt — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:36:10 GMT

What are the different methods you guys use to train front-line maintenance and engineering technicians? Do you have established apprenticeship programs? Do you rely on manufacturers to train technicians on new equipment? Do you look to associations for educational resources?

Have methods for training changed to keep up with advancing building technology? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Chris

High Quality Training Videos - Is there a need?

Angela Lewis — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:10:11 GMT

Hello:

A month or so back, at the IFMA Worldwork Place conferece, I listened in a conversation about the need for high quality training videos for food service equipment. I have also heard that training videos for HVAC equipment can be like "home movies," making them difficult for the facilitty manager and his/her staff to view when needed.

What is your experience? How are the training videos you currently have /request during a project useful? How could they be made better?

Thanks!

Anglea Lewis

PhD Candidate, FM Consultant

In need of a mentor in Facilites Managment

Scott Liljedahl — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:50:57 GMT

I am currently in a FM program with the Univeristy of Washington, and part of the program requires that I have a "mentor".

I don't believe this is anything really involved other than maybe answering a few questions here and there and I will need to provide the teacher with your name.

On the brightside, I am not a kid straight out of high school.....I have 25 years under my belt, and I am well versed in the day to day terminonlogy of FM and I am taking this class for my IFMA credentials.

If anyone is interested, it would look good on their resume that they were a mentor to a student at a major university.

Looking for Online Project management

DGunderson — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:45:47 GMT

Howdy,

Has anyone had taken a online project management course, that is afforadable too?

Architect Seeks To Transition Into Facilities Management

Laurence Jones — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:09:58 GMT

Hello Group,

I have been practicing Architecture for over ten years now and am looking to transition myself into Facilities Management. I have been working as an Architectural Surveyor for a number of years providing as-built drawings and reports for commercial, interior design and architectural projects. The experience has led me to appreciate the value Facilities Management plays in the life-cycle and sustainability of the built environment. I am looking to transition myself into a role more in line with Facilities Management utilizing my architectural skills and expertise. I would like to learn more about how someone like me might become more involved in FM as a career. I've taken continuing education classes in FM , attended local IFMA meetings as well as a couple of FM Conferences. Any feedback, comments, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Administration

Bob Susko — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:15:13 GMT

Has anyone taken the Administration test for the SMA designation? Is it easy or hard?

Arc Flash Analysis in Existing Facilities

GRClark — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:54:12 GMT

How are other organizations handling the requirement to perform arc flash analysis (as required by NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces)in existing buildings/facilities?

Are you providing warning labels on electrical panels that inform electrical workers the required personal protective equipment to wear?

How do you maintain the arc flash analysis once it is completed? Do you require all changes in the electrical system to be reported to you so the analysis can be updated?

MyFacilitiesNet Facilities Professionals now on LinkedIn

HemberMaldonado — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:41:52 GMT

Hi All,

I just created this group on LinkedIn. This will increase our networking exposure. Please join this group and send me an invite.

Thanks,

Hember Maldonado

Facilities Engineer

Green Lease Seminar

Greg Zimmerman — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:59:08 GMT

Below is some information on what promises to be a very informative seminar on green leasing in Chicago, April 23rd. The presenter - Alan Whitson - is a frequent contributor to Building Operating Management magazine. Check out Alan's Website www.squarefootage.net to register!

Model Green Lease Seminar to Help Keep Chicago’s Green Buildings Green
Recent research shows that some green office buildings are performing significantly below industry norms. That’s a major issue for real estate investors seeking a return on their investment in green buildings. It’s also a big worry for tenants since a lease is a long term commitment, and typically represents a company’s largest single contractual obligation. Addressing these concerns was the spark behind the Model Green Lease Project. The procedures and metrics included in the Model Green Lease can cut energy consumption 25 to 50 percent below the average office building, yet are easy to do and make economic sense.

To explain how the Model Green Lease can help landlords and tenants, a half-day educational program – The Model Green Lease Seminar is being present by Corporate Realty, Design & Management Institute and the Chicago Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council on Thursday, April 23, 2009 from 8:30 am to noon at the Appraisal Institute, 205 W. Wacker Drive. Registration information is available at www.squarefootage.net

A unique seminar feature is the Expert Panel - Mock Green Lease Negotiation. This gives the audience a chance to see some of Chicago’s top professionals navigate the green leasing minefield, and overcome road blocks and deal-killers. This lively interactive session is ideal for getting individual questions answered.

The program is open to everyone involved in greening commercial real estate. Attendees can earn educational credits from: AIA, BOMI, IFMA, IIDA, and USGBC.

“Some people think you can green a lease by adding some language to require green products and construction practices. While this may give a lease a green tint it’s not enough to make a lease green,” says Alan Whitson RPA, President of Corporate Realty, Design & Management Institute and head of the Model Green Lease Project. “To create a truly green lease, requires rethinking the basic tenants of today’s office leases and overcoming the many myths surrounding how office buildings operate.”

Many things change during the term of a lease – building ownership changes, property management companies replaced, and tenants come and go. The Model Green Lease ensures a building continues to meet or exceed its intended performance goals. It defines the environmental standards and metrics the landlord will use to operate and maintain the building, and how the tenants will build out and operate their premises in a sustainable manner. The result is a building that is environmentally responsible, profitable, and provides a healthy and productive workplace.

The Model Green Lease has been crafted by a national task force of attorneys, commercial real estate brokers, corporate tenants, developers, real estate investors, tenant improvement contractors, building service providers, and green building consultants. Starting with a clean sheet of paper the task force had four goals: First, create a lease document that’s fair to both parties. Second, improve energy efficiency and environmental performance. Third, ensures tenants receive the full benefits of a high performance workplace over their lease term without sacrificing comfort or service. Fourth, maximize the return on investment for those investing in green buildings.

The seminar leader is B. Alan Whitson, RPA - one of the nation’s most popular speakers and authorities on high performance buildings. Whitson has over 40 million square feet of real estate experience in the roles of asset management, corporate facilities, real estate development and brokerage. He is has written over 80 articles on high performance buildings and commercial real estate. Whitson’s books and software packages include: 327 Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Lease, Building Operating Costs – Model Lease Addendum, Smart Moves Manual and Software, and Bottom Line – Comparative Lease Analysis Software.

Continued Education - so many paths!

HemberMaldonado — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:58:00 GMT

Hi Guys,

Just wanted to introduce myself. I have a BS in Manufacturing Engineering, an MS in Eng'g Mgmt and currently getting a certificate in Project Management from UCLA. Next project will be an MBA. I have this idea in my mind that the more I learn (sp. on paper/resume), the more opportunities that will open up for me. Is it possible that I'm just spinning my wheels? I've been stuck in the same position (Facilities Engineer) for the past 5 years. Do I just lack the opportunity to apply my knowledge/skills?

Welcome...

Eric DeMuth — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:20:26 GMT

I know that BOMI has their own message boards - but, if you had been on there lately, you will find that it is pretty much lacking in conversations. No one seems to use it. This seemed like a pretty good avenue to help encourage others to further their education.

As for me, I am a recent graduate of the FMA program. I am starting to focus my attention now on the RFP program from IFMA and then to the CFM certification. With that said, the FMA program was very informative and really gave me some good information. Besides, in this business, it seems the more designations you have - the better off you are.

If you are thinking about earning the FMA, RPA or the SMA - I would suggest it. No matter how much you know, studying is important. The programs are not as easy as it would seem and they are very in depth.

Good luck and let us know how it is going. Speaking from experience, it is good to have encouragement along the way.

Eric

CFM certification

almifa527 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:40:38 GMT

Hi,

I am a Construction Project Manager with over 20 years of hands on as well as managerial experience in Construction, Electrical and Maintenance.

Due to the current economy and lack of work in the construction industry I have desided to try finding employment in the Facility Management field.

Most of the Employers require CFM, FMA, etc. certifications. I have none other that a Electrical Contractors Licence in Ohio.

How important are those? What is the best way of succeeding in my goal?

Alex Schechter