Technical Training

Challenge:
Cathodic Protection specialists stepping into lead roles needed more than a refresher—they required an up‑to‑date review of evolving standards plus deeper skills in troubleshooting and data interpretation. In practice, even seasoned technicians sometimes skipped critical steps in the interpretation workflow—either for expedience or simply by oversight—leading to inconsistent analyses and increased risk of undetected corrosion issues. 

Strategy:
To ensure Cathodic Protection Leads master every step of the data‑interpretation workflow, we developed a two‑phase eLearning solution in Articulate Storyline: 

1. Guided Process Walkthrough

2. Authentic Scenario application

• • Interactive GIS‑based exercises place learners in realistic field contexts, displaying actual cathodic protection area maps.

  • Participants review current and historical data points for assigned test locations, identify anomalies (e.g., seasonal shifts, stray current interference), and draft recommendations for remedial action.

Impact:
By combining clear, scaffolded instruction with hands‑on, scenario‑driven practice, this approach both taught the correct process and built confidence in applying it—standardizing data interpretation across all leads and reducing the risk of critical oversights.  

Challenge:
SCG Station Technicians are hired on a rolling basis and often face a delay—sometimes up to two months—before attending formal new hire training. During this period, they may be assigned miscellaneous tasks without gaining meaningful familiarity with their assigned station. 

Instructors identified a need to equip these technicians with foundational knowledge of SCG facilities, their station, and natural gas operations to help them navigate key facilities and contribute more effectively during their initial weeks on the job. 

Strategy:
To bridge the onboarding gap, we developed a series of asynchronous eLearning modules in Articulate Storyline that introduced new station technicians to natural gas operations and key equipment found at SCG facilities. Modules focused on critical safety concepts, appropriate responses to Abnormal Operating Conditions, and recognizing essential gas facilities. 

To reinforce learning and encourage site-specific application, each module included a worksheet prompting technicians to relate the content to their assigned station. These completed worksheets were to be brought to instructor-led training, where they would serve as a springboard for deeper discussion and a more personalized understanding of SCG’s operational environment. 

Impact:
New Station Technicians gained a foundational understanding of SoCalGas operations and their role within the natural gas system within the first few weeks of hiring. 

The training also enabled them to develop early familiarity with their assigned station, allowing them to navigate their work environment more confidently and contribute meaningfully even before attending formal instructor-led training. 

Challenge:
Gas line location contractors must be certified on line location equipment before they can locate and mark gas lines for the company.

Certification requires an operator qualification test. The high-stakes nature of the test created a significant barrier to certification. Despite having the necessary skills, many contractors found it difficult to perform effectively in the testing environment, impacting certification outcomes. 

Strategy:
To support contractor readiness, we developed a pre-test course that mirrored the certification environment without reducing its rigor. 

Using Augmented Reality, contractors practiced locating a pipeline outside of the testing scenario using their preferred equipment. Upon completion, they could review their markings and compare them with a holographic overlay of the actual pipeline location, providing immediate, contextualized feedback that enhanced spatial awareness and confidence.

Impact:
By receiving immediate, visual feedback on their locating accuracy—something not typically available during fieldwork—contractors were able to calibrate their techniques and build confidence. As a result, they entered the certification process better prepared to demonstrate their skills under exam conditions, contributing to a measurable increase in successful certification outcomes.