Exactly how skilled is your job?

[manlymatt83]

Picture this:

You've been asked by your boss to train his very intelligent friend Mike how to do your job. Mike has NO EXPERIENCE with what you do, other than basic knowledge that the average person would have (For instance, if you work in computers, Mike has average american computer knowledge - he can use windows, excel, etc. If you work in automobile repair, Mike can drive a car, fill his gas tank, etc. etc.)

Your boss has asked you how long it will take to make Mike proficient at your job, working with him 8 hours a day, 40 hours per week.

What is your answer to your boss?

I'm limiting the poll to 5 years, because I would find it very hard to belive if you couldn't train a replacement in 5 years, no matter what you do.

Cliffs:
How long would it take for you to teach someone else to do your job?

 

[imported_LoKe]

Like, 6 minutes?

 

[coldmeat]

where's the "i have no job" option?

 

[TangoJuliet]

+5 years if he worked at my job

 

[Engraver]

I use a frickin laser beam, nuff said. It really isn't that hard (laser engraver), although I've tried to teach about 4-5 people how to use it for when I go on vacation, but none of them can ever get it right. That's why I voted never.

No one else where I work knows how to do my job, but I can do theirs and use all related equipment.

Job security ftw.

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: coldmeat
where's the "i have no job" option?

added

 

[iRONic]

I'm an FAA licensed aircraft techician with more than twenty years of experience. Ain't happenin'...

 

[Tiamat]

It would take me about 12 months to train someone inexperienced. I'd have to make them take thermodynamics, kinetics, transport, nanotech basics, advanced thermodynamics. That just to understand what the heck is going on in the equipment so they are able to troubleshoot based on results.

Time would be required to train them how to operate the equipment (1 month), how to use an SEM (1 week), how to use an evaporator/sputterer, GC (1 week), how to order the reactant gases...

IE. not worth the time to teach someone who is inexperienced.

 

[magomago]

Originally posted by: Engraver
I use a frickin laser beam, nuff said. It really isn't that hard (laser engraver), although I've tried to teach about 4-5 people how to use it for when I go on vacation, but none of them can ever get it right. That's why I voted never.

No one else where I work knows how to do my job, but I can do theirs and use all related equipment.

Job security ftw.

Do you work at Apollo Instruments?

 

[Felisity]

Never.

Some people aren't creative with structure, design, color or sketching. I have a 4 year degree in Industrial Design and have been working my way up for 10 years in the same industry (exhibition design). No "average person" would be capable of doing what I do... no matter how long I taught them. If it were someone with drawing / design talent, then maybe they could be taught.

EDIT: Talent is not something that can be taught, no matter how much "time" you are provided with. You either have it or you don't.

 

[BigRig04]

6 months. Helpdesk/IT field. With basic knowledge, I think 6 months would do the trick.

 

[bGIveNs33]

I you answered never, how are you able to do your job?

 

[RKS]

We are required to have at least a JD and there is 6 - 12 months of training.

 

[Scouzer]

It took them 7 months to train me...

Since I'm a lousy teacher, probably a year

 

[paulxcook]

Very skilled. I am indispensable.

 

[clamum]

They would have to learn programming theory, with an emphasis on object-oriented programming. Need to know the .NET framework and Visual Studio environment as well as C#. Windows and application software installation and troubleshooting knowledge. Plus web development from within the VS environment.

Depends on how fast they catch on to thinking like a programmer. Some people pick it up right away, others just can't seem to grasp it very well.

 

[Vonkhan]

I am ninja

I am skilled

I has cookies

You no can do my job

 

[Casawi]

You must have a degree in either computer or electrical engineering, then it would take a few months to read all the datasheets and understand .... It took me 4 months or so to be useful.

I read the datasheet when I was on co-op with them...

 

[trmiv]

I'm a desktop support person. A slightly trained monkey could do my job.

Damn I need a new job.

 

[Fritzo]

My job is so complex and I have so much unique experience that I don't think they would ever get rid of me, much less be able to replace me Heck, a lot of the systems we use are in place because I put them there.

Yeah...I'm set. I know- famous last words

 

[Delita]

I think its funny that people think they other people can't be trained to do their job.

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: Fritzo
My job is so complex and I have so much unique experience that I don't think they would ever get rid of me, much less be able to replace me Heck, a lot of the systems we use are in place because I put them there.

Yeah...I'm set. I know- famous last words

The irony of all that is that if you do your job properly you're making it easier for you to be replaced.

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: Delita
I think its funny that people think they other people can't be trained to do their job.

Not everyone has a job that you can simply pass onto someone with a list of tasks and teach them how to do it. Professionals actually have years of experience working in situations that give them insight into things that you simply can't teach. No amount of teaching can overcome experience.

Personally, I'd be a little apprehensive to approaching a job where all it takes is some training for someone to replace me.

 

[iRONic]

Originally posted by: Delita
I think its funny that people think they other people can't be trained to do their job.

Care to troubleshoot why a twin turbine helicopter won't get 100% Nr?

 

[Felisity]

Originally posted by: Descartes

Originally posted by: Delita
I think its funny that people think they other people can't be trained to do their job.

Not everyone has a job that you can simply pass onto someone with a list of tasks and teach them how to do it. Professionals actually have years of experience working in situations that give them insight into things that you simply can't teach. No amount of teaching can overcome experience.

Personally, I'd be a little apprehensive to approaching a job where all it takes is some training for someone to replace me.

:thumbsup: