New Employee Training
Started by Friendly Neighborhood Roach · Jul 26, 2019 · 5 replies
- FOriginal post
Friendly Neighborhood Roach
Jul 26, 2019 · 6y ago
I'm wrapping up my first week on the job and my branch lead hasn't been here to really get me started. I have been given some advice from my co-workers here and there as to some resources to familiarize myself with. With this mostly independent week of studying and learning, I've learned that I have a lot to learn! My branch lead is returning this upcoming week and I have a couple of questions as I attempt to guess what is in store for me.
What kind of training is typical for a new hire?
- Scope and detail of what I'll be taught.
- Formal class structure or informally just shown the ropes
How long before I'm expected to actually be useful?
I know I could easily ask people around the office about this, but I wanted to give this site a try too. I hope this wont be too divisive among the community!
- j
ji20874
Jul 26, 2019 · 6y ago
There is no typical. Every place is different. I recommend that you ask for work, rather than waiting for it -- and once you get it, talk to your neighbors. Professional dialogue is of crucial importance. And read, read, read.
- F
FAR-flung 1102
Jul 27, 2019 · 6y ago
Welcome! When I first started as a Contract Specialist, my organization had no primer or listing of tasks and systems for a newcomer...so I made one based on the experience I was gaining and called it something like Welcome Hot Sheet! It was kept and given out after me.
- p
policyguy
Jul 30, 2019 · 6y ago
When I first started out I was given an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that I was to follow for the first two years. It listed the formal training (class room and online) and on the job training I was to achieve over those first two years. The on the job training started with small purchases, small dollar single source negotiated actions thru closeout actions.
Here's a link for further research on IDP:
https://www.opm.gov/WIKI/training/Individual-Development-Plans.ashx
If your organization does not use or have an IDP then I would suggest that when you meet with your supervisor you develop an IDP or something similar.
- F
Friendly Neighborhood Roach
Jul 30, 2019 · 6y ago
I am appreciating your help everyone. Thanks!
- C
Constricting Officer
Jul 30, 2019 · 6y ago
My organization likes to first get people familiar with the contract writing system used first. Then start some formal training from the ground up (CON 90/FAR Boot Camp first), while also having a starting workload.
jj20874 is 100% right about professional dialogue. I would suggest in addition to learning the ropes in that way, seek out one who appears to have the most knowledge of your team's main acquisition focus (supplies/services/construction/etc.). Think of this person as a mentor. He/She won't be hard to find after a couple of weeks there and isn't always the person making the most money either.
Suggestion: Don't let it burn you out, because it can in weeks if allowed. Being a CS is rewarding, fun and exciting career field, but comes with a lot of moving parts (Agency Supplements/FAR/USC/etc.) to catch onto.