The Learning Pathway
Following the eLearn, if you're keen to learn more, there are a number of options on the Learning Pathway. It's a unique professional development education and training programme, the first
of its kind, developed specifically to address a business need for
human factors skills. The Pathway is supported by the requirement for a mentor who
will help you boost your professional development and get the most from
the activities you'll need to carry out as you move through the Pathway.
What does the Pathway involve?
You'll start with a basic introduction to the concepts and principles of human factors as they relate to human performance. Then you’ll move on to more detailed learning on a number of key topics relevant to the high-hazard industries:
- Task Analysis
- Designing for people
- Incident investigation
- Procedures
- Safety critical communication
- Workload, stress and fatigue
- Human factors in projects
- Control room design and alarm management
- Leadership, supervision and safety culture
The Pathway unfolds over 3 levels, each one delving deeper into the topics and giving you a more thorough understanding. After you’ve completed each level, a set of multiple-choice questions will allow you to consolidate your knowledge, so you’ll be confident that you understand the information at each level before moving on to the next.
- Level 1 introduces the individual topics giving you a high-level overview of each. For example, in the task analysis topic, you’ll learn what a critical task is and how to identify where mistakes could be made. Activities include walk-throughs, observations and discussions.
- Level 2 is where, with the help of your mentor, you start to specialise in five selected topics relevant to the needs of the business and your role within it. For example, in the Workload, Stress and Fatigue topic, you’ll learn about approaches to managing stress and performance under pressure. You’ll carry out reviews, participate in studies and apply methods and tools.
- Level 3 advances your understanding in your choice of two of your five selected topics. For example, in the Procedures topic, you’ll learn about a range of human factors tools and methods that enable you to develop procedures. Activities at this level include writing reports, carrying out investigations and coaching colleagues.
How long does the Pathway take to complete?
Whilst the Pathway is self-paced, it’s designed to be completed in around two years but you should see three years as a maximum in order to ensure learning is effectively embedded and skills don’t fade before they’re put into practice.
Who is this Pathway aimed at?
Anyone who needs to apply human factors in their organisation. You could be a Safety Engineer, a Process Safety Engineer, an engineer working in project or you could be an operations specialist. Whatever your job, you’re unlikely to have a role centred only on human factors so the Pathway has been designed to be flexible enough to accommodate your normal working duties and the time you have available. The Pathway could be included in your plan of work with the understanding that the practical activities set out in the Pathway are likely to take place as part of your on-the-job professional development.
How will it benefit me?
On completion of the Pathway, you’ll be eligible to apply for membership of the CIEHF as a Technical Specialist, ensuring that your hard work and accomplishments are formally acknowledged. This means that you’ll be recognised as having the competence and capability to coach colleagues, to inform senior level discussions, and to apply, integrate and deliver programmes of work in human factors using the tools and techniques you’ll learn about on this Pathway.
How do I find a mentor?
We'll help you find a mentor who will assist you through the Pathway. Find out more.
How much does it cost?
The entire Pathway package can be purchased for a single fee of £750+VAT. This includes access to the online learning resources, a comprehensive handbook and certificates of completion along the way.
You’ll need to become an Associate Member of the CIEHF in order to have access to the Pathway. At just £99 a year, you'll receive all the benefits of membership which include news and information about:
- The profession - so you can see where your hard work could take you.
- Human factors applications - enhancing your knowledge in other sectors.
- Our events - where you’ll learn more about the discipline and meet others who may be able to help you (and as a member, you get 25% off the normal delegate rates).
- Our on-line communities - where you’ll be able to discuss topics and find answers to questions from wherever you are in the world.
There are also substantial volume discounts for organisations signing up multiple people to the Pathway. Contact us for more details about this offer.