Insights | Spark Training Solutions

3 days ago
2 min

Do Railroad Contractors Need an FRA Approval Letter?

This has recently become the most common question I am asked by contractors There are a couple of points to consider in order to...

Katie Inouye

Apr 5
1 min

Webinar: 243 Question & Answer

The May 1st implementation deadline for 49 CFR Part 243 is almost here! Join us to talk through any remaining questions you may have on...

Katie Inouye

Apr 2
2 min

How to Submit Your 243 Programs

Are you almost ready to submit your 243 training programs but having questions about what to submit or not to submit or how to use the FRA's

Grandfathering-in Existing Employees Under 49 CFR Part 243

Katie Inouye

Mar 30
2 min

Grandfathering-in Existing Employees Under 49 CFR Part 243

Do you need to re-train your existing employees under 49 CFR Part 243? The answer is probably not. However, I have talked to several...

Is training to blame when there is an accident/incident?

Katie Inouye

Mar 5
4 min

Is training to blame when there is an accident/incident?

I have seen how often training bears the brunt of the blame when there is an accident or incident. But is training to blame?

Can you use your 217 program for 243? Yes, BUT (and it is a big BUT)...

Katie Inouye

Feb 28
2 min

Can you use your 217 program for 243? Yes, BUT (and it is a big BUT)...

I have seen growing confusion regarding the difference between the OJT and the current industry practice of conducting efficiency (or operat

Flipping the Perspective of 49 CFR Part 243

Katie Inouye

Feb 10
3 min

Flipping the Perspective of 49 CFR Part 243

If you are feeling stuck trying to get started with 49 CFR Part 243, you are not alone. However, I have found that simply looking at the req

Free 243 Webinar w/FRA: Initial Training Programs & Oversight

Katie Inouye

Oct 16, 2019
1 min

Free 243 Webinar w/FRA: Initial Training Programs & Oversight

Get your questions on 243 answered with Rob Castiglione from FRA and walk away with a process for the initial training program requirements.

Webinar Series:
A Practical Overview of 243

Katie Inouye

Aug 5, 2019
1 min

Webinar Series: A Practical Overview of 243

Go beyond FRA's compliance guide and gain practical insights to help you prepare for 243 with this free webinar series.

FRA has Changed What You Will Submit for 49 Part 243

Katie Inouye

Jun 8, 2019
1 min

FRA has Changed What You Will Submit for 49 Part 243

If you currently gathering paperwork for your Part 243 submission, you'll want to take a look at FRA's new compliance guide for Part 243.

FRA Proposes to Update Engineer Certification

Katie Inouye

May 18, 2019
1 min

FRA Proposes to Update Engineer Certification

While not unexpected for many of us, FRA proposed to revise the regulation that governs the certification of locomotive engineers.

3 Reasons for Small Businesses to Invest in a Learning Management System

Katie Inouye

Apr 17, 2019
2 min

3 Reasons for Small Businesses to Invest in a Learning Management System

Many small companies may not have even heard of a learning management system (LMS). However, for companies, such as short line railroads,...

Implementing Safety Training that Actually Improves Safety

Katie Inouye

Mar 18, 2019
3 min

Implementing Safety Training that Actually Improves Safety

Have you ever attended a safety training program only to return to work and see the same unsafe behavior that the training just...

Katie Inouye

Jan 16, 2019
1 min

Performance Support Tools

At Spark Training, our custom training solutions often involve the implementation of performance support tools to help support ongoing...

Katie Inouye

Dec 4, 2018
3 min

OJT and the 70:20:10 Model of Learning

If you work in the railroad industry, chances are that you have become familiar with the acronym "OJT" for on-the-job training. OJT...

The One Question to Ask Before Beginning Any Training Project

Katie Inouye

Nov 2, 2018
2 min

The One Question to Ask Before Beginning Any Training Project

What problem are we trying to solve? If you are a training professional, you likely have experienced being approached with a prescribed...

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