There is one grade level in the Computer Operator Trainee job family, FR-32. The qualification standards for the Trainee position and the entry level position are as follows: Recommendations for career ladder progression within the Trainee program and promotions into entry-level positions will be made by the responsible Board Officer to the UMP Commitee. The UMP Committee, if it agrees with the recommendation, will forward it to the DED-IRM for final approval. Job Evaluation Plans (JEPs) for each of the Trainee jobs are in Appendix B of Length of Program Trainees will usually be in the program from one to two years depending on their initial placement in the program. Training and Selection of a Mentor Each UMP Trainee will have a mentor who will be responsible for development of the Trainee. The mentors should be volunteers and will be carefully chosen. It is recommended that the mentor not be a project manager or above. Ideally, the mentors will be people for whom this would be a developmental assignment, who are recognized as being good performers with solid work habits, and who have potential for supervisory responsibilities. The mentor's work will be recognized as an important part of his or her job, and will have full management support. The mentor's performance will be evaluated in his or her PMP, and the successful mentor will be recognized at the time of the Trainee's graduation. The mentor will be recommended to the UMP Committee by IRM Branch Managers and approved by the DED-IRM. Developing an Individual Development Plan An Individual Development Plan (IDP) will be developed for each UMP Trainee within four weeks of the start of the program. The mentor will take primary responsibility for the IDP, with full participation from the UMP Trainee and input from the Section Chief and appropriate project managers. The IDP must be reviewed and approved by the responsible officer. The IDP will be incorporated into the UMP Trainee's PMP. Generally, the time allowed for the Trainee to complete the IDP should be one to two years. the mentor is a personal advisor The mentor begins the IDP with an inventory of knowledge and skills needed for the target position. This inventory should include technical skills, interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, job skills such as time management, planning and organization, and study skills. Next, the mentor defines what level of knowledge and skills is appropriate for the target position, thus establishing standards. The mentor will obtain input from the position description, the Section Chief, project managers, current job holders, and other relevant sources. The training should be placed in logical order for learning. The mentor then meets with the Trainee to assess his or her current level of knowledge or skills in the inventory categories. The Trainee may be asked to demonstrate current skills, and documentation of previous training may be reviewed. The mentor then works with the Trainee to develop the training and educational activities that will bridge the gap between the current and desired level of skills. The full range of training and educational options should be considered, including: Technical training from vendors (public or in-house) Practical experience, on-the-job training Generally, the college courses should be taken early in the program to give the Trainee the theoretical background, terminology, and perspective needed for the remainder of the program. Start and end dates should be planned for each activity. A suggested format for the IDP is as follows: Selection of College or University The Trainee will be strongly encouraged to attend the best program possible. The best program is defined by teaching staff, equipment and its availability to students, and the scope of the program. Requirements and Reporting The Trainee will be required to maintain a “B” average in all job-related courses and nothing less than a "C" in all other courses. Grades of "D" or "F" are not acceptable and will lead to immediate removal from the UMP. If the average for job-related courses falls below a "B" or if the Trainee receives an Incomplete, the Trainee will have one semester to raise the average to the required level. The Trainee will be required to write weekly status reports as are other staff in IRM. The status reports will be reviewed by the mentor and the supervisor(s). These reports will provide information on what was accomplished toward the action plan in the IDP and what objectives the Trainee has for the next week. The mentor will attach this information to his or her report. Hours of Work and Course Schedule The Trainee will be required to work forty hours a week. When taking classes, the trainee will spend a minimum of thirty hours per week in on-the-job assignments and the remaining ten hours per week can be used for class or study. The Trainee may attend college courses during the normal work day or in the evening. Study Skills Most colleges offer seminars and counseling on study skills. The Trainee should take these seminars to develop skills in learning quickly, organizing to study, overcoming procrastination, and overcoming fear of tests. These skills will help the Trainee throughout the program and beyond. Payment Responsibility The Board will pay for all training fees, books and applicable taxes. The Trainee will pay transportation costs to and from college courses. Continuing Education after UMP Graduation The UMP graduate will be encouraged to continue his or her education after placement in the target position. The graduate should be encouraged to pursue must maintain a "B" average study time provided 11 a Bachelor's Degree, under the Board's Academic Assistance plan. Electives should be career enhancing whenever possible. An example would be a writing course. Reviews and Performance Management Program (PMP) Review Evaluation UMP Trainees will have an initial PMP session within sixty days of entering of Progress the program. Six month reviews and new PMPs will be completed on schedule. Roles of Branch Manager, Section Chief, Mentor, and Trainee Recommending a mentor to the UMP Committee and IRM senior management. Receiving weekly status reports from the mentor and providing a quarterly status report to the UMP Committee showing progress against the IDP and signed by the mentor and Trainee. Recommending graduation to the UMP Committee. Ensuring development of an initial PMP within sixty days of entering the program with regular six-month reviews and new PMPs completed on schedule. Recommending extension of the training period if special circum stances warrant. Providing other feedback as appropriate/necessary. Maintaining a file of all relevant documentation from the beginning of the selection process through graduation of the candidate. This documentation must be maintained for one year after the Trainee leaves the program. Section Chief/Project Manager/Supervisor Responsibilities Recommendation for Graduation Recommendations for graduation will be made by the responsible Branch Manager and will be approved by the UMP Committee and forwarded to the DED-IRM for final action. When a Trainee graduates from the UMP, he or she will be guaranteed a job in the job family for which he or she was trained. The location of the job will depend on where openings occur. The graduate will be dual occupied in a similar position if an opening is not immediately available. The Trainee will receive a diploma, and the graduation will be reflected in the Board resume. Announcement of the graduation will be made in “Across the Board." Procedures if an Individual Fails the Program If an individual fails the program, he or she will be placed in the Personnel Placement Program. There is no guaranteed job for a Trainee to go back to if he or she fails the program. If performance is below CMS the following procedures must be followed: what if things go wrong? |
