Campus News
January 24th, 2023
GC offers hands-on custodial training
STARS-funded, two-day course draws 15 students to CTTC
Photo by John Rudd
Steve Johnson said his two-day custodial training workshop "helps experienced individuals sharpen their skills, and prepares new employees to do the job accurately." Fifteen students from four local companies attended last week’s training at Garrett College’s Career Technology Training Center in Accident.
The need for well-trained custodial staff was driven home by the emergence of COVID-19. The Garrett College Business Solutions Department addressed that need locally last week with a two-day training program for custodial professionals.
Fifteen students, representing four local companies, attended the training. It was partially funded through the Garrett STARS Scholarship, launched this year by the Garrett County Commissioners to assist with training for new hires and incumbent workers, and other professional development.
"We were told there was a need for custodial training in the county," said Dr. Kimberly Govi, Garrett College’s coordinator of professional education. "We received positive feedback from the participants in the training, with many expressing an interest in future trainings."
Steve Johnson who served as the course trainer, said the course was designed to support both new and experienced custodians.
"The training helps experienced individuals sharpen their skills, and prepares new employees to do the job accurately," said Johnson, who taught the class at the Career Technology Training Center. "We break down areas inside facilities and show start-to-finish procedures. The course uses best-in-class cleaning knowledge."
Govi said the training fills what had been an educational void in the community.
"Many organizations do not have the time or resources to provide in-depth training to new employees," noted Govi. "The custodial training offered at Garrett College provided custodians an opportunity for a structured, hands-on training on the topics of carpet care, hard floor care, cleaning and disinfecting, and restrooms."
Johnson, who has 34 years’ experience in the cleaning industry, works at Weis Brothers, an Envoy Solutions company. He said Envoy stresses "bringing solutions to facilities," a philosophy he emphasizes in his curriculum.
"What I’ve found is attendees don’t want to have a lecture," said Johnson. "They need important information and hands-on training to effectively do their job.
"Our goal is not just to have attendees take the course and check the box, but to see change in performance of their roles," added Johnson, whose training certifications include infection prevention, management and leadership.
"This training provided employees the opportunity to practice the skills required to provide a safe and quality work place for employees and the community," added Govi.
Businesses with specific training needs can contact Kimberly Govi at Kimberly.govi@garrettcollege.edu or 301-387-3084.
