Foundational Training Blogs
Why Cross-Training in Warehousing Often Fails – and What Top Operators Do Differently
January 23, 2026
In warehousing and distribution, cross-training fails without fundamentals. Many organizations in this space approach widespread cross-training in a way that lacks structure. This can improve initial responsiveness, but without a keen understanding of root cause analysis, organizations lose out ...
3 Strategies That Make Workforce Onshoring Less Painful
September 16, 2025
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), reshoring will primarily benefit smaller, more nimble manufacturers as they are able to leverage localized supply chains for greater flexibility and faster turn times.
Need to Attract Young Industrial Maintenance Talent? Train Their Way
July 24, 2025
Reaching Generations Z & Alpha is how you safeguard your maintenance workforce. Regardless of your current maintenance team’s structure, their experience levels, and their commitment to your company.
10 Tips for Maximizing Your Maintenance Training Budget
June 17, 2025
If you’re experiencing budget cuts or belt-tightening at work, maximizing your training budget may not feel intuitive. However, it is an impactful step to take in securing your maintenance team’s skills and reducing the risk of expensive accidents and citations.
Navigating Maintenance Team Uncertainties: 5 Ways Training Helps
April 3, 2025
These industries have a massive impact on our standards of living in the U.S., and if the industrial sector grinds to a halt, it could impact more than prices at the store or pump.
Guide to Building an Efficient Training Program with Effective Results
December 10, 2024
Based on Plant Services’ special research report and the 2024 market survey of approximately 200 manufacturers, respondents providing technical training were allowed to select multiple reasons for offering their maintenance team members training.
The Top 9 Most-Desired Maintenance Skills and Why They Should Be Part of Your Team’s Toolbox
September 26, 2024
Respondents were asked to choose their top 3 skills. In fact, only about half included core maintenance skills as a top pick. The results were as follows.
Top 3 Tips for Expediting Training Program Administration
September 6, 2024
According to a survey we completed in Q1 2024 with Plant Services, it isn’t just the managers who are administering training. A whopping 13% of critical maintenance technicians, such as skilled trades and others who work to keep your equipment up and running
Reducing the Risks Associated with Maintenance Team Retirements
August 8, 2024
major shift in the workforce is expected in the next decade, and many employers expect to see a dramatic increase in retirement of the workers who maintain and repair mission-critical machinery.
The Pitfalls of Delayed Training
June 6, 2023
When machines aren’t performing properly, your team’s morale and safety might suffer. Downtime is costly, but incurring penalties due to unsafe working conditions makes it much more expensive.
Learn to Use the Tools of the Trade with Simulation-Based Training
April 3, 2023
With simulations, your team will explore a virtual environment where they can practice troubleshooting common faults, using the tools and components they’re already familiar with.
Case Study: Global Food Production Company Hires TPC to Revamp Onboarding & Upskilling Training Programs
February 17, 2023
A premier nutrition, agricultural origination, and food processing company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with 800+ facilities, 50+ innovation centers, and 38,000 employees, provides their customers with solutions to nutritional challenges.
Reaching Gen Z in the Vo-Tech Classroom
February 2, 2023
The challenge is that Gen Z, the latest generation to start to join the workforce, learns with a deep foundation in technology. Teaching these students requires different strategies than previous generations just to keep their attention.
Meet the Trainer: Mike Chambers
September 29, 2022
Long before Chambers ever stepped foot in front of a class of students, he was imagining how he would teach material – in a totally different way than his high school teachers did.
How to Identify Workers' Training Needs
August 31, 2022
Training needs assessments are based on roles and responsibilities, job hazards, controls, work processes, personal protective equipment (PPE), and training requirements. By reviewing these areas, you can identify the knowledge needed to recognize hazards and prevent injuries.
Meet the Trainer: Bob Clukey
July 25, 2022
Throughout Bob Clukey’s tenure at TPC Training, he has had the opportunity to teach courses at the Pentagon, Camp David, and many manufacturing facilities including Tesla and Amazon.
Better Hands-on Training: How Simulation-Based Training Elevates the Workforce
March 22, 2022
It’s quite rare to find a person with technical mastery who also is great at teaching, though, and in most facilities, on-the-job training comes with these pitfalls
Meet the Trainer: Gregg Sutton
February 9, 2022
Gregg Sutton always knew he wanted to teach. Early in his career, he was given an opportunity to teach adult education courses at a vocational technology school, but after struggling to find the right full-time teaching role, he spent over 20 years using his practical skills instead.
Top 8 Reasons Why Maintenance Training Improves Facility Safety
January 25, 2022
Training courses allow workers to learn the best practices for their jobs, whether it be safety precautions, troubleshooting methods, or simply tricks of the trade. When multiple workers participate in training as a team, they can rally around the best practices learned in their training courses.
The Reasons Behind Manufacturing Downtime
December 9, 2021
Manufacturing downtime can have a ripple effect on any company. Inventory declines, supply chains are slowed, employees are left without work and customers are disappointed.
Top Six Ways to Reduce Machine Downtime
December 6, 2021
Industry researchers have found that the average downtime episode lasts 1.5 to 4 hours and costs between $30,000 and $50,000 while production crews sit idle waiting for machines to come back online, and then earn overtime while the plant plays catch up to make its quotas.
Troubleshooting Thursdays: Identifying Malfunctions Through a Multimeter and Other Tools (Tip 8)
October 8, 2021
For the past few Troubleshooting Thursday posts, we have been discussing TPC’s systematic troubleshooting methodology to build a solid foundation for learning troubleshooting. It is now time to start looking into the multimeter and other tools used to execute this approach.
How to Find a Short Circuit With a Multimeter
October 8, 2021
A short circuit occurs when an accidental connection is created when a wire carrying current comes in contact with a neutral wire or the ground in a circuit. d
Apprenticeships Challenge Industrial Skills Gap
May 25, 2021
With a diminishing pool of skilled workers in the industrial labor market, companies return to apprenticeship programs to grow their own workforce. In recent history, apprenticeships have been a widely overlooked method that places valuable and loyal workers on shop floors.
What is Electrical Maintenance?
May 21, 2021
Advances in the design and quality of electrical components have made it possible for electrical systems to run for years without noticeable problems.
How to Calculate Pump Efficiency
May 11, 2021
If pumps were ideal, the horsepower entering the pump would equal the horsepower exiting the pump, producing 100 percent efficiency. Unfortunately, friction, leakage, and other energy losses will always mean mechanical horsepower input will be higher than water horsepower output.
Electricity 101: How it Works
April 6, 2021
Electricity is a form of energy, which can be generated by several methods, including hydroelectric dams, coal-fired steam plants, and chemical batteries. No matter how it is created, electricity then flows through conducting circuits, where it powers pumps, motors, mixers, and more.
Ultimate List of 500+ Safety Slogans
March 31, 2021
Find the BEST list of safety slogans right here! We have 500+ slogans for you to choose from. Whether you're looking for a funny slogan or something industry-specific, you're sure to find something on this list.
How Often Should You Provide Ongoing Training to Your Employees?
March 23, 2021
Companies that value well-trained employees often have ongoing training programs in place. Ongoing does not mean continuous, so how often should you provide ongoing training to employees?
Four Benefits of Private Group Training
March 8, 2021
Training your employees provides multiple advantages. Regular training helps ensure your staff are applying the latest information and best practices to their work, improving your overall productivity and compliance rates.
Understanding Electrical Wiring
January 25, 2021
An understanding of electrical wiring improves the efficiency and safety of any facility’s employees, especially for non-electricians who perform basic maintenance on electrical equipment.
How Simulation Training Benefits Your Existing Digital Training Efforts
January 20, 2021
Simulation training immerses students in a virtual training environment that replicates real-world equipment and workplace processes. Some training goes so far as to duplicate the sounds of the workplace for added realism.
How to Draw Electrical Diagrams
January 15, 2021
knowing how to do schematic diagrams is an important skill in such cases, as accurate and accessible electrical drawings are required for safety compliance.
How to Read a Blueprint
January 8, 2021
Knowing how to read a blueprint is a valuable skill for anyone who works in construction, maintenance, or facilities management. Accurate blueprint reading helps you identify the location of important building elements during renovations, rebuilding, or work on electrical and HVAC systems.
How Virtual or In-Person Private Group Training Works
January 5, 2021
While many aspects of industrial training can be taught enmass through online or offsite seminars, some types of information and skills are better taught in small onsite groups.
Why an Organized Training and Compliance System is Key
January 4, 2021
Delivering timely, accurate training to employees is a major challenge for your facilities managers department, whether said training is required to onboard new hires, provide updated information to experienced employees, or ensure contract workers meet safety compliance requirements.
How to Read an Electrical Schematic Drawing
November 10, 2020
Learning how to read an electrical schematic drawing is an important skill for maintenance workers and managers even if they aren’t licensed electricians. Understanding schematic drawings helps identify faulty components, troubleshoot systems, and improve safety.
The Benefits of Simulation Training
September 16, 2020
Simulation training offers opportunities to practice complex and sensitive processes in a safe, virtual environment. But what is simulation training, and do simulation training methods have a place in your workforce training program?
How to Leverage Simulation Training with your current Training Program
September 16, 2020
In August of 2020, TPC Training acquired Simutech Multimedia, an industry leader in the world of simulation training systems.
Benefits of TPC's Virtual Instructor-Led Training
June 11, 2020
You and your company face work situations and challenges that have not been a factor since the 1918 Spanish Flu outbreak. We are living in a “new normal,” and it’s likely how we live and work has changed forever.
5 Reasons To Include Virtual ILT In Your Online Training
June 9, 2020
Live online training combines the convenience of online training with the face-to-face engagement of the traditional classroom.
The Importance & Benefits of Workforce Management
April 17, 2020
Workforce management provides a company with the tools needed to improve efficiency and overcome employee-related challenges, including those associated with safety, productivity, attendance, payroll, and regulatory compliance.
TPC Training's Impact On Public School Facilities Maintenance Teams
April 16, 2020
Learn how TPC’s partnership with one of the largest school districts in Illinois helped them streamline and build upon their ongoing training program creating efficiencies.
11 Benefits of Online and Remote Training
April 14, 2020
Online training courses have become more popular as organizations implement new safety guidelines and require more flexibility to improve technical skills knowledge among the workforce. Employees in need of training may work at remote facilities or work different shifts.
Important Online Training Courses Your Employees Need
April 14, 2020
With so many online training courses available, it can be difficult to choose which type of remote training your employees need. The most important training courses for one industry may not be needed in another (what office worker needs to understand lockout/tagout procedures?).
How Online Training Helps in Tracking Your Employees
April 14, 2020
Online training benefits both employees and employers, but only when two criteria are met. Online training courses must keep employees motivated, and training results must be tracked in a way that allows the employer easy access to testing data.
5 Benefits of Live Online Training
March 18, 2020
Off-site classroom instruction typically comes with significant add-on costs. Travel to and from the instruction venue, food, accommodation for employees during instruction, and the temporary absence of employees can raise training expenses while lowering productivity.
Why In-Person Trainings Work
March 17, 2020
Despite all the advances in online training, in-person training remains the most efficient way of teaching employees the skills they need to excel in their job. Off-site in-person training is expensive, however.
Preventive and Corrective Maintenance Levels
September 15, 2018
Corrective and preventive maintenance are often classified by levels of complexity, with each level indicating the need for more specialized training to successfully complete procedures, diagnostics, and repairs.
Improving Employee Engagement and Performance
August 29, 2018
Employee engagement and performance are inseparable. Without high employee engagement, performance and productivity plummet. Employees with low engagement have lower morale and are more likely to seek—and find—new work.
What is Motor Pump Alignment? (And Why it's Important to Train Your Employees On It)
August 22, 2018
Proper motor pump alignment helps ensure your equipment has longer life spans while requiring fewer repairs and costly downtime. Here we’ll explain what motor/pump alignment is, why it’s so important, and why your maintenance staff need alignment training.
Bearing Failure Analysis and Best Practices
August 8, 2018
Roller bearings are one of the sturdiest precision components in industrial motors and other applications, with less than one percent not completing their expected lifecycle.
Case Study: TPC Training’s Program Increases Critical Maintenance Knowledge at Hadeed
July 10, 2018
Every facility, whether domestic or abroad, runs on information. But too often the information that a workforce needs to operate and maintain the equipment in their facilities is severely outdated, missing, or difficult to utilize in the field.
Tips for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Employee Training
June 21, 2018
Measuring training effectiveness should be part of any training program. What happens in the weeks and months after training reveals whether training has had any lasting changes on your business.
5 Signs Your Employees Need More Training
June 16, 2018
Signs your employees need training can be subtle, especially if your corporate culture has grown accustomed to working around gaps in skill sets and knowledge.
Basics of an Industrial Electrical Control Panel
February 5, 2018
The National Electric Code defines industrial electrical control panels as an enclosure or open panel containing two or more power circuit components, control circuit components, or a combination of the two.
How Continued Employee Training Boosts Productivity & Retention
January 3, 2018
When times get tight and the economy flounders, businesses look to cut costs. Typically, one of the first areas to feel the bite of cutbacks is employee training.
Grounding and Bonding Requirements
November 15, 2017
Grounding and bonding requirements are designed to protect staff and equipment from undesired surges and buildup of electrical current.
New Digital Techniques Produce Improved Training Outcomes
March 16, 2017
Effective skills training is measured through its outcomes and whether defined workforce goals are accomplished. Characteristics that make up ideal training program design include intensive training on real work applications and return workers back to their jobs quickly are agreed upon.
Investing in Human Capitol
March 14, 2017
TPC Training is the leader in maintenance, repair, and operator training.
What a Basic Electrical Course Should Cover
December 13, 2016
If your building needs an electrical maintenance team you may well decide to recruit members of your existing team and train them for the task at hand. In most cases, they’ll start with a basic electrical course.
A Blended Approach to Workforce Development
May 5, 2015
By bringing together multiple formats, TPC can issue the most effective method to address workforce training and current skills gaps.
The Value of Workforce Training
February 26, 2015
Workforce attrition studies have shown that successful employee training programs produce many benefits to companies and organizations including:
5 Tips to Help You Measure the Success of Your Workforce-Training Program
January 23, 2015
Organizing an ongoing skills training program is a smart decision for any company looking to help their employees meet business goals.