You must first indicate to your immediate supervisor your desire to learn a particular Skill Block. Your immediate supervisor will determine the availability of the Skill Block, verify whether it is applicable to your unit, and check if any prerequisites exist. If the Skill Block is determined to be appropriate for your skill development, your immediate supervisor may issue to you a manual related to the Skill Block. This manual is to help you to become familiar with the piece of equipment or the skill associated with the Skill Block. This part of the training is considered to be self study and you can proceed at your own pace. If a personal impairment exists, notify your immediate supervisor so that a reasonable accommodation can be made to assist you.
When you have become familiar with the information in the manual, inform your immediate supervisor. At this time a written test covering the information in the manual will be administered to you. If you do not pass this test, you must wait at least one month before you can take it again. When you pass the written test, you will be assigned to an On-The-Job Instructor who will work with you in developing the skill competencies associated with the Skill Block.
Before your instructor begins your training, your present skill level will be assessed. Your instructor will meet with you and discuss your familiarity with the piece of equipment or skill to be learned. Your training will be matched to the amount of familiarity you have with the equipment or skill. If you exaggerate your skill and ability, the pace of your training may be too fast and will result in having to go over the competencies several times. Understating your skill level and ability may result in training below your capability. This will result in boredom and lack of interest. It is best to be honest and upfront with your instructor regarding your familiarity and present skill level. This way, your instructor can effectively determine the appropriate path of your training.
As you demonstrate and master the competencies for the Skill Block, your instructor will note this on your competency sheet. When you have demonstrated a mastery of all of the competencies for the Skill Block, your instructor will sign-off your sheet and report this to your immediate supervisor. Your supervisor, for his satisfaction, may have you perform the operation of this piece of equipment before he signs off on the sheet. The Certified Coordinator for your unit will be notified that you have successfully demonstrated a mastery of all of the competencies associated with that particular Skill Block. The Certified Coordinator will verify that all of the requirements for the Skill Block have successfully been completed: passing grade on your written test, all of the competencies signed-off by your OJT instructor, any time requirements have been met, and that your supervisor has also signed-off on the sheet.
When your Certified Coordinator is satisfied that all of the requirements have been satisfied, he will sign-off on the sheet. At this point you are considered certified for that Skill Block. You will receive a certificate confirming the successful completion of all of the requirements for the Skill Block. You can now pursue another Skill Block following the same procedure by first notifying your immediate supervisor of your desire. Your division office will complete the necessary paperwork for your pay increase and electronically transmit that information to the Department's Salary Administration office in Raleigh. You will see the increase to your annual salary in the paycheck for the pay period your adjustment was processed.
