Online education has improved
In addition to online education, the pool industry offers numerous avenues for knowledge advancement. Each year, the two-day World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC), hosted by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), offers more than 50 scientific and practical symposia, plus a scientific poster session, in critical topic areas, all with the mission to help keep pools open, safer, all while attracting more users to help grow the industry. Regional and international trade shows such as the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada’s (PHTCC’s) Pool & Spa Conference & Expo, also bring industry professionals together and offer three and four days of educational tracks all based on raising the level of knowledge. Manufacturers offer focused learning opportunities through their own venues as well.
Include training in the business plan
As owners look towards the coming season, training initiatives should be included in the business plan. This proven and effective strategy will help increase profits and maintain a sustainable future. Designing an education strategy starts with a review of each employee’s knowledge of current industry technology. From this, an education program can be created based on their weaknesses in various areas to give employees the tools they need to increase their knowledge. Employees should be tested on their understanding of pool design, construction techniques, and energy-efficient pumps and motors. Internet-based webinars are available that can do just this. Mike Kami, a strategic planner for major corporations such as IBM and Xerox said: “The ability to learn faster than the competition may be the only sustainable competitive advantage.” In 2015, the business challenge for those in the pool and spa/hot tub industry is education. This means commitment to a solid education business strategy. Learning never stops; therefore, empower employees with education because knowledge is powerful, and profitable.
The challenge
- Customers prefer to purchase from people who know and understand the products they are selling. In this highly competitive business environment, the organization demonstrating the most knowledge will capture the customer’s trust and enjoy their loyalty—ultimately resulting in a solid customer base and higher profits.
- Online compliance courses are a must for managers, while business classes are available that can help those understand what it takes to make a profit. Instilling in the minds of employees that achievement and success comes from learning will benefit the entire company.
- Evaluations indicate people who attend seminars and participate in active learning have a greater degree of business success. They are adult learners who are engaged in applying what they learn to their everyday business objectives. It has also been shown that employees who are encouraged to take online courses or attend live presentations are more committed to their jobs and their employers. This is a win-win for any organization as a more knowledgeable, resilient team equates to a greater competitive advantage in the workplace.
- In the early days of Internet learning, skeptics stated people would not learn as effectively online as they would in a classroom. This has been proven false, and now an increasing number of prestigious universities are offering online continuing education. Improvements to learning vehicles bring the students closer to the instructor through live chat environments. Adult learners have the ability to work within their time frames, often juggling work and family with education. They can also participate with other peers through live, online conversations.
Connie Gibson Centrella, MBA, is a professor and program director for the online Aquatic Engineering Degree Program at Keiser University eCampus. She is also the director of education for Team Horner as well as a sustainability officer, having been certified in the principles of ‘green’ and sustainable business practices. Centrella, an industry veteran with more than 40 years of experience in the aquatics field, is a five-time recipient of the Evelyn C. Keiser Teaching Excellence Award of Distinction.’ She is also a former pool builder with extensive knowledge in pool construction, equipment installation and manufacturing, and a National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) certified pool/spa operator instructor, having trained more than 1850 pool service technicians, retailers, and instructors worldwide in the past 10 years. She can be reached via e-mail at ccentrella@keisercollege.edu.
