A study of technical personnel continuing education needs

Abstract

The objectives of the study performed at the Naval Nuclear Fuel Division of the Babcock and Wilcox Company were to (1) determine self-perceived continuing education needs of technical personnel, (2) determine how attitudes of technical personnel toward participation in continuing education programs were related to their present position, the attitude of their immediate supervisor, and division policy, and (3) recommend areas of concentration in providing programs needed to update technical personnel.

Survey questionnaire data obtained from the study group was analyzed with respect to relevant material intended to profile the education background of the study group, consensus of responses between the study (Babcock and Wilcox) and control (Pennsylvania State) groups subject area continuing education needs of the study group, and formulated hypotheses.

The findings of the study were:

1. Study group perceived needs were concentrated in required areas of technical competence in the work environment or were related to final application of the products manufactured by the Division.

2. Strong study group consensus concerning need for managerial training implied that the majority of personnel entertain aspirations for promotion into management positions.

3. Division policy and supervisor attitude toward continuing education were not found to be related to participation in formal continuing education programs.

4. Age was not found to be related to participation in either formal or informal learning programs.

5. Job function (administrative or applied technical) was not strongly related to either the type or extent of need for subjects relative to the work environment.