Discussion focused on practices for taking breaks during training sessions as outlined in the Continuing Education (CE) Manual.
Concerns were raised about the common practice of skipping breaks to finish classes early and how that should be addressed or codified.
A member suggested allowing flexibility for trainers and participants to decide on break scheduling as long as the required contact time is maintained.
Feedback indicated multiple professionals support handling break times based on class dynamics and participant needs.
Emphasis was placed on adhering to the CE Manual while also providing flexibility in training sessions.
CMWG might be consulted for potential codification of break practices discussed.
Potential inclusion of FAQs or examples in the CE Manual on acceptable content delivery and break practices was suggested.
Recruitment for participation in the CMWG was encouraged.
New members were reminded to submit an NDA to fully participate in OWTG task forces.
▶️5 - ERCOT Operator Certification Task Force (EOCTF)
Acknowledgement of support from task force members, specifically scheduling and registration processes.
Feedback provided on registration process needing streamlined receipts for expenses and confirmation.
Task force experiencing limitations with current exam hosting due to low test volume and limited tools.
Future plans to migrate exams to more robust platform but hindered by low test volumes.
Exam Working Group is seeking participation for future reviews and improvements.
Confirmation of email address for NDA communications.
No new developments in human performance improvement were reported at the moment.
▶️7 - ERCOT Black Start Restoration Training Task Force (BSTTF)
Mark Spinner emphasizes the need for more involvement in the task force to enhance training effectiveness.
Plans to revamp the Computer-Based Training (CBT) by breaking it into three sections to make it more engaging.
One section will focus on procedures, while two optional sections will cover the theory of frequency and voltage control.
The duration for the voltage control section is about 80 minutes, frequency control is nearly two hours, and the main section approximately two hours.
The main CBT is mandatory for restoration training, while the theory CBTs are optional.
The content restructure aims to cover essentials without overwhelming trainees, aligning with NERC standards.
Mark encourages reaching out for questions regarding Blackstart restoration or other related inquiries like NDA forms.
▶️8 - ERCOT Region Operator Training Seminar Task Force(OTSTF)
Aaron Blue reported on the completion of week three of the seminar, with mostly positive feedback, but noted some conflicting feedback related to scheduling.
The first week's training hours were short, and refunds of half a credit will be issued to participants from that week.
The seminar is now on track with the required hours being fulfilled in subsequent weeks.
Discussion about planning topics for future seminars, including the reintroduction of Blackstar in spring 2026, transitioning back from fall 2025.
Aaron Blue clarified that the spring seminars would follow the same format and that the fall seminars will still occur as planned.
Rosemary Haarar inquired about scheduling TSL and OTS seminars, and Aaron confirmed that seminars will proceed as planned without changes.
Mention of potential inclusion of cyber training in response to Senate Bill 2148 by Senator Hall, targeting critical facilities and system restoration.
Mark is developing a standalone CBT for potential integration into Senate Bill training, offering extra training resources for Blackstart and system restoration.
The intention of these CBTs is to reduce lecture time and increase simulator time during training, enhancing overall training effectiveness.
▶️9 - ERCOT Severe Weather Drill Task Force (SWDTF)
No new updates for the ERCOT severe weather drill task force at the moment.
There is a vacant position for vice chair and suggestions are invited for agenda ideas.
Requests for lessons learned from last year's severe weather drill, which focused on a winter storm.
This year's drill will focus on a hurricane scenario.
Plans to improve the hotline system issues encountered last year by completing calls upfront.
The date for the hurricane drill remains unchanged.
Topic included regarding breaks for content delivery during training, as mentioned by Steve.
Call for participation in the membership or vice chair role for the severe weather drill task force. Interested individuals should email Nate or contact any member for guidance.
