Validated Training Program (FAQ)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. WHY HAVE A “VALIDATED TRAINING PROGRAM”?
A. The purpose for having a validated training program is to establish minimum standards that can be used as a baseline for the development of training programs.  Many tradesmen claim to be trained and many companies claim to have trained installers, but there are few standards in our industry that define what training programs shall include.

Q. WHY IS THE TRAINING PROGRAM VALIDATED AND NOT THE EMPLOYEE OR THE COMPANY?
A. An individual training program is validated because it is the most objective way to validate the integrity of the training function.  SWR Institute can verify that a submitted program meets the minimum requirements that are required for validation.  The burden of implementation and execution falls on the entity seeking validation of their training program.  Validating an individual employee may give the false impression that the institute is validating an individual’s competence.  SWR Institute is validating that a training program meets the minimum requirements as outlined, not that an individual person or company is trained

Q. WHY DOES THE PROGRAM HAVE THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS (SAFETY, HANDS ON, ETC.)?
A. The minimum requirements of the SWR Institute Validated Training Program are designed to encourage a basic understanding of safe and correct installation of critical scopes of work. The requirements address that need to present information in a variety of different formats as well as hands on training as well as evaluation of the trainees.  The combined components are intended to reinforce consistent good trade practices.

Q. WHO CAN SUBMIT A TRAINING PROGRAM?
A. Any individual, group or company, member or non-member. Contractors, manufacturers, educators and consultants can find value in developing training programs. 

Q. WILL OTHERS BE ABLE TO VIEW MY TRAINING PROGRAM?
A. It’s your choice.  Training programs submitted for validation can be shared or held confidentially among SWR Institute validation committee upon the submitter’s request.

Q. WHAT FEES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH BRANCH OFFICE VALIDATED TRAINING PROGRAMS?
A. There is no fee for a branch operation’s training program.  A firm’s training program is validated regardless of where it is offered or taught.  The purpose of the Validated Training Program concept is to promote the development of effective craft training programs.

Q. WHAT IS THE RENEWAL PROCESS?
A. The renewal process is the same as original submissions.  This will promote periodic review of training programs to insure the best practices and current material technologies are being considered.