Strategies for Workforce Replacement in a Dynamic Business and Regulatory Environment

Keywords: Training, progression, succession planning, age demographics, knowledge retention.

This paper discusses how changes in the business environment and job requirements drove the recruitment process and worker training programs. Challenges and opportunities are reviewed.

Government regulations regarding process equipment operation and specialised product diversification forced the need for educated highly skilled operations and maintenance staff. Workers’ age demographics caused constricted time constraints to implement training programs which would ensure that all new personnel were adequately trained before the experienced staff retired.

This paper also discusses the involvement and influence required to maintain corporate knowledge and skills. By being involved with the local college for building a base knowledge, keeping senior management engaged, and timely, ongoing training, the knowledge and skills developed are maintained at all levels of the organisation.

Regan Pfaff, P.Eng., CF Industries, Courtright Nitrogen Complex, Ontario N0N 1H0, Canada.

18 pages, 5 figures.