Training Ideas for Entry Level Metrology Technicians

[Hawaii596]

Hi Everyone.

This question is for those PMELlians (my new word) who have background in general training.  I love doing training, and among my other areas of expertise, I train missions teams for international travel, formerly certified MIL-STD-2000 soldering/ESD instructor, and have trained folks in various areas in my nearly 30 years in the field.  I must note for reference that I am ex-Navy PMEL (ET1), and have a pretty broad background.

In one lab a long time ago I brought a quality auditor up from ground zero.  In my new job in TEXAS (love being back in McCain country), I have two entry level people with ASET degrees and no prior calibration background.  So, I dug out of the store room an OLD Datron 4700 calibrator, and Fluke 8050A and Fluke 8000A DMM's.  I walked through an Ohm's Law refresher, walked through the Ohm's Law principles of how DMM's work, some safety basic (don't kill yourself, don't blow up the calibrator, etc.), had them read a 47 page section from an old Navy training manual about electrical indicating devices, basics of 4:1 TUR, environment, etc.

Then after walking through a Navair procedure, I handed one of them the procedure and as I watched, let the tech begin working his way through the procedure.  We're going to go through a few such procedures, then we have a stack of old meters that need checking out, which I'll have them check with the procedure and write up findings (as a practice).  I decided to start with electronic cals versus dimensional due to their background in electronics school.

I wanted to walk through an actual calibration before diving into uncertainty and other more advanced metrological principles so that as I teach those, we'll have some hands-on experience to help connect theory to practice.

We have the CCT books, which I intend to have them do a little later.  But it seemed a little advanced for day one.  I may try some of the Workplace Training stuff.

Anyway, just wanted to get some ideas of good content, method, what to learn first, next, etc.  Also, if anyone has good thoughts of books to have them read, etc.  Any of that would be helpful.

[Bryan]

I have always referred to my fellow techs as Lab Rats.

[Conman]

check the PMEL. org site.  A Metrology handbook is available there.

[Hawaii596]

Yup.  Printed those for them.  Good confirmation that I'm looking in the right places.  I'm presuming the handbook on this site is the same one??

[MFrisz]

another good resource is the keithley "Low Level Measurements Handbook".   Talk to a local Keithley sales guy and he/she will get you a few copies -  Usually Free.

Plus there's always the Fluke cal book.

[Hoopty]

Yup.  Printed those for them.  Good confirmation that I'm looking in the right places.  I'm presuming the handbook on this site is the same one??

Yes, it's the same.

[cmaxwell]

I while back I wanted to start a calibration school for civilians. Are there any already in existence?

[Hawaii596]

Hi Coleen,

I'm taking it that you know of my recent previous position.  Hope there's no negative conflict here.  I'll just say that I have fondness and respect for the great team I left; and anything I can do to help fill my old slot, let me know.

Regarding cal schools, I don't follow that detail regularly, but there used to be the program at Butler County Community College in PA, and what ever the name of the community college is in Aurora CO where Lowry AFB (PMEL School) used to be.

[cmaxwell]

Hi,

If you can find someone to fill your old position let me know. If I can not get this position filled soon Cheri will have a hard time and I'm sure My reputation will go down the tubes. HELP I"M Downing. At least it feels that way.

You are going to be a hard person to replace.

[Broken_Wings]

I recall posting a link to the list of "schools" on here. Gimme a few to find it.

edit: here's one list. There's another list out there

http://www.callabmag.com/schools.html 


maybe not. might have been a mirror of this list.

[cmaxwell]

Thanks. You Rock!