Building Excellence: Integrating Initial and Ongoing Training into Laboratory Operations

Synopsis

This webinar explores practical ways to incorporate both initial and ongoing training into everyday laboratory operations, with a focus on the realities of small laboratories. Participants will learn how to set meaningful training goals, identify effective training sources, and address common resistance to training. The session covers training frequency, TNI requirements, and a variety of training types—from onboarding and safety to ethics, method-specific instruction, and ongoing competency development. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for embedding training into daily workflows to support data quality, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational success.

Key topics include optimizing laboratory processes, integrating change management techniques, safeguarding testing integrity, and minimizing disruptions. Students will gain practical insights into balancing innovation with safety, ensuring the lab's adaptability to new challenges without compromising quality or environmental protection. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to lead successful transitions that support both laboratory excellence and environmental stewardship.

Change needs to be managed effectively to minimize risks to the laboratory. Risks may be related to efficiency, productivity, finances, safety, quality and other operational areas.

Examples of changes that need to be managed in an environmental lab include:
• Relocating a laboratory
• Implementing a new LIMS
• Implementing new methods and instrumentation
• Staffing changes
• Laboratory renovations.

Learning Objectives

  • improve their ability to define clear training goals aligned with laboratory operations and data quality needs
  • better understand diverse training sources and how to leverage internal and external resources effectively
  • apply practical approaches for overcoming common resistance to training without disrupting productivity
  • use guidance on appropriate training frequency for new staff, procedures, instruments, and annual requirements
  • TNI training requirements, including documentation expectations
  • be able to develop stronger onboarding processes that support analyst competence and confidence from day one
  • improve safety awareness, ethical decision-making, and data integrity practices
  • consistently implement initial and ongoing method training, SOP review, and competency assessment
  • to see enhanced continuity during staff turnover and smoother adoption of new methods and equipment

Audience

This course is designed for Quality Assurance Personnel and Laboratory Managers/Supervisors.

Digital Badges Associated with this Course

None


Fees

$85 for TNI members
$110 for non members

Group rates are available: Each purchased webcast is to be viewed by only one student. If you would like multiple viewers, separate purchases must be made. A group rate of $400 for TNI members or $525 for non-members is available for groups of 5-10 students at a single location.

Certificates: A Certificate of Attendance (CoA) is provided for this training. A Certificate of Completion (CoC) may be purchased for an additional $25. A passing score of at least 70% must be received on the exam in order to receive CEUs and a CoC. Scores of less than 70% will be issued a CoA. For a CoA you will not need to take the quiz and you will not receive CEUs. See FAQs for additional information.






Start Date

05/27/2026 11:00 AM

Length

2 hours

CEUs

0.2

Presented By:

Mary Johnson

Mary Johnson, a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, was the long time Laboratory Manager at Four Rivers Sanitation Authority. She is a past chair of WEF’s Laboratory Practices Committee and currently represents WEF on the Environmental Monitoring Coalition. She is also a member of the Illinois WEA’s Laboratory Committee and holds an Illinois Class I Wastewater Operator Certificate.