Young lubricant industry professionals undergo more continuing education than their veteran counterparts, according to a recent survey by the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. The results also indicate that desire to keep current with industry developments is a bigger motivator than hopes for promotion.
The survey results were based on nearly 300 responses to a questionnaire distributed by e-mail. Approximately one-fourth of respondents were nonmembers of the Chicago-based professional society.
Most respondents either go for a lot of continuing education or not much at all. Seventy-five respondents said they took more than 40 hours of continuing education in the past year, while 67 said they took between one and five hours. Half of the respondents aged 20 to 40 took 25 hours or more of courses, compared to only 40 percent of those 41 and older. Sixteen percent of the younger group took between one and five hours, compared to 26 percent of the older group.
A whopping 74 percent of respondents said they continue their education in order to keep up with new techniques, perspectives and skills, while 43 percent said they do so to advance their job level and career. Twenty-one percent said they take courses to obtain or renew certifications.
STLE said the results also showed that most respondents still prefer to receive their training face to face, rather than over the Internet or in some other manner. It added that most respondents see organizations such as the society as the best providers of continuing education.
Officials said the organization is trying to develop new professional development opportunities and looking for ways to better market those that already exist.