On-the-job training for process operators as a strategy for competence achievement - A case study

The technical development in complex and highly automated production processes affects the process operator’s work and the demands on the operator. Two significant problems are difficulties in acquiring and maintaining the necessary competence and a risk of understimulation, since a stable process does not generate many active tasks, largely because of a higher degree of automation. In this case study, we were able to make a comparison between an approach to job design for solving these problems and a design of two existing operator jobs. The results suggest that this approach might be effective in practice