Episode Description:
If you're responsible for training your building automation team and not seeing the results you need, this episode will challenge how you're approaching it. Most internal training programs fail because they miss the mark on what actually drives job performance. This episode will help you refocus on what matters.
We unpack what makes a training program succeed, where most fail, and how to build one that aligns with real work in the field. This is a direct, practical look at solving workforce gaps through focused upskilling.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
- The common breakdowns that weaken internal BAS training
- Core elements that lead to long-term skill retention
- A step-by-step method for designing a results-driven program
- How to measure training impact and know if it's working
- The tools worth using and the ones to avoid
If you want your techs producing real outcomes on the job, this episode will give you the clarity to move forward.
Click here to download or listen to this episode now.Podcast Video
Why Most Internal BAS Training Programs Fail and What to Do Instead
The building automation industry faces a talent shortage. Contractors, OEMs, and owner-operators struggle to find qualified people or retain them. Many try to solve this by launching internal training programs, but most fall short. The reason is simple. These programs are often disconnected from job tasks and lack a clear plan for building real-world skills.
If you're building a team and want to train them effectively, you must begin with the right foundation. That starts with understanding the actual problems facing the workforce.
The Root of the Problem
Most training focuses on vendor-specific systems. While important, these don't build the baseline skills technicians need. Thousands of skill assessments show that across the industry, core knowledge in electrical theory, HVAC fundamentals, and IT is weak. Without these, BAS knowledge has no support.
Picture a three-legged stool. Electrical, HVAC, and IT are the legs. BAS knowledge sits on top. If any leg is unstable, the stool collapses. Vendor-specific training assumes the stool is solid, which is rarely the case.
What an Effective Program Looks Like
A solid BAS training program is built on four principles:
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Skill-based, not product-based
Focus on theory, control logic, sequences, and troubleshooting. These are transferable across platforms and projects. -
Modular and progressive
Break learning into short, focused segments that build on each other. Avoid dumping information all at once. -
Immediate application
Learners should apply what they learn right away. This could be through hands-on work, checklists, or OJT shadowing. -
Assessment and feedback loops
Use pre- and post-training evaluations. If people cannot demonstrate a skill, reinforce and reassess until they can.
This approach builds confidence, reduces errors, and improves jobsite performance.
The Six-Step Framework
To design a training program that works:
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Define core competencies
List what a technician should be able to do. Use action verbs tied to real job tasks. -
Assess current skills
Identify gaps. Use hands-on demonstrations, not just written tests. -
Build tiered learning levels
Start with fundamentals. Move to applied tasks, then troubleshooting and variation handling. -
Integrate with real projects
Training should be tied to fieldwork. Technicians should shadow experienced team members with structured guidance. -
Establish key performance indicators
Track metrics like utilization, callback rates, and slippage. Training should move the needle. -
Reinforce and grow skills
Focus on a few key skills each quarter. Repeat and refine.
What You Don’t Need
You don’t need a university. You don’t need a learning management system. You don’t need massive budgets. Effective training can be built around field mentoring, checklists, and clear expectations. Job task alignment matters more than technology.
For example, if a startup tech can master point-to-point checkout, functional testing, controller mapping, and basic networking, that covers a significant portion of their workload. Focus your efforts where they matter most.
Final Thought
Training is not about ticking a box. It's about equipping your team to solve problems in the field, reduce errors, and deliver projects on time. Done right, it delivers measurable ROI. Done wrong, it becomes a waste of time and money. Start simple, focus on real tasks, and measure what matters.
For a deeper discussion and insights from the field, listen to this episode on the Smart Buildings Academy podcast.
