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4.2.1.
Identification of Training Needs
Under MERC’s quality system, continued training is critical to ensure that personnel remain proficient in
their operational functions and in their understanding of QA requirements. The primary means to assess
job proficiency is demonstrated skill as witnessed by a qualified trainer/staff member. Other means for
identifying training needs are through QA assessments or audits, and one-to-one discussions among the
QA Manager, the Program Coordinator, and staff. Training priorities are jointly developed and negotiated
by the QA Manager, the Program Coordinator, and the MERC Director as part of the annual QAARWP
development.
4.2.2.
Staff Training
MERC’s quality systems training addresses the policies, processes, procedures, and written instructions
related to operational activities. As noted above, the MERC QAPP and SOPs define the function,
responsibilities, authority, dimensions, and requirements for each job title. These criteria establish the
minimum requirements for training and demonstration of proficiency for each staff member. Minimum
requirements for each job assignment may include professional training, appropriate degrees or years of
experience, and demonstrated expertise.
Staff training is primarily accomplished through on-the-job training, seminars, and internal or external
training sessions. During on-the-job training, staff performs work under the supervision of qualified
personnel. For some activities, such as the use of instruments or equipment, proficiency is demonstrated
by the ability to perform instrument inspections, operation, calibration, and maintenance; objective
measures such as instrument performance can be used to assess proficiency.
MERC staff has access to other in-house training resources that provide learning in a variety of formats,
including web-based, self-paced, training videos, or webinars. Seminars may be offered on-site by
MERC for organization-wide requirements and to enhance specific skills. Off-site training,
project/program meetings, and technical society membership are available for specific disciplines
contributing to the staff member's overall job proficiency.
To ensure that MERC personnel are familiar with current QMP requirements, they will be notified when
the QMP is revised and provided with a summary and explanations of the change. The need for retraining
will be based on changes in job requirements (assignments), modification of existing procedures, or
quality system requirements for periodic refresher courses. Generally, the need for retraining will be
determined by the staff member and the appropriate level of management (MERC Program Coordinator,
Laboratory Directors). To maintain staff proficiency, opportunities are provided by MERC annually and
as needed.
4.2.3.
Training Evaluation
It is important to track the quality systems training program’s contribution to the organization’s mission
and goals.
The effectiveness of the training is assessed by
the supervisor from (1) feedback from the
participants and (2)
observation of work performance.
4.2.4.
Training Documentation
Relevant training that demonstrates staff qualifications to perform the verification test activities must be
documented. The MERC Program Coordinator will maintain a record of all training taken by staff and
managers in the staff member's qualification/training file. Records should include education history;