Only 10% of all learning and development activities should be formal learning activities. Formal learning provides theory and facts, and is typically provided in a structured, classroom environment with defined learning objectives and facilitated by a trained instructor. The challenge, however, with formal learning is transfer of the new learning to the job. Recollection, practice, and application of theory through experiential learning activities amplify the effectiveness of formal learning activities.
This follow-up to the formal learning improves the retention of knowledge and long-term maintenance and improvement of competency. Some formal learning can involve interactive and collaborative learning which can replicate complex on-the-job challenges and practice to capture some of the advantages of experiential learning.
There are many courses, accreditations, and other formal learning activities available to increase proficiency with the AM Competencies. A selection of options are included in the AM Courses and Certifications section below, however, there are many more courses available. Each organization likely already has a list of courses that are available.
Below is a table of example activities that you can use in your Competency Management Program implementation planning and/or competency development planning. Each activity description includes one or more examples of the activity that can be used in relation to the competency noted. The table also notes the suitability of the activity to the scale of the organization.
Formal Learning Activity Examples
Activity | Description | Example(s) | Scale Suitability | ||
 |  |  | |||
| Taking formal training courses | Formal training courses deliver theory and facts verbally and/or visually in a classroom setting. Content is defined in advance and generally delivered by a trained instructor who is knowledgeable in the area or practice being taught. Organizations may already have a list of approved courses. Managers and HR should approve attendance based on needs for mitigating competency gaps individually and for teams or departments. Affordability will be a consideration for any formal learning activity as well. | See below for a list of training courses, workshops and seminars in AM from the national partner associations. [AM Expertise] | X | X | X |
| Taking workshops and seminars | A workshop or seminar is like a training course but often delivered over a shorter period (e.g., 1 to 3 days) for more extended lengths of time. Some may involve practical application of topics learned in an exercise that simulates on-the-job tasks. | See below for a list of training courses, workshops and seminars in AM from the national partner associations. [AM Expertise] | X | X | X |
| Certification | Certification generally consists of a combination of the completion of formal training courses plus related experience, in the form of a prescribed number of hours spent performing relevant tasks. Certification can provide some measure of certainty in the level of proficiency of a person who has attained a certification and is therefore sometimes required or recommended for relevant positions. | See below for a list of certifications in AM from the national partner associations.
[AM Expertise]
Staff might also consider certification in a related technical discipline like:
| X | X | |
| Pursuing higher education | Diplomas or degrees provide foundational learning in a discipline. They are often a requirement for relevant positions and/or are often a pre-requisite for more advanced training courses. A diploma or degree in AM from a recognized institution is currently unavailable, but some individual courses are being offered. There are many options in AM-related disciplines that can develop many of the AM Competencies. | Many post-secondary institutions have now included introductory courses in AM in their engineering curriculums, varying between undergraduate, masters or doctorate level courses.
University and college course designers and instructors are encouraged to review and integrate the AM Competencies into their courses.
It is critical to equip future AM practitioners with these competencies. | X | X | |
| Engaging in E-learning and webinars | Formal training courses, workshops or seminars that are delivered online instead of in person. E-learning tutorials and webinars can be a low cost and highly accessible option for continuing learning, especially for individuals in small and/or remote communities. | CNAM, NAMS Canada, and the other AMCF National Partners deliver webinars on a variety of AM topics on a regular basis. Explore their websites for upcoming virtual webinars. [AM Expertise, Financial Analysis, Infrastructure Management]
There are several e-learning platforms that offer paid or free e-learning modules that will cover some of the scope of AM Competencies. Some are even available through local libraries. [Leading Others, Collaboration, Decision-Making, Risk Analysis, Information Management, Continuous Improvement] | X | X | X |
| Undertaking self-study and research | There is a wealth of AM and AM Competency related information online and/or in print. | Explore TED Talks on YouTube. [All AM Competencies]
Explore articles and research on the various aspects of AM practice, and on related technical topics in engineering, maintenance, finance and other related disciplines. [All AM Competencies] | X | X | X |
AM Courses and Certifications
The following table highlights a few of common AM training courses and certification programs available in Canada. For municipalities in Canada, most of the courses listed are eligible for subsidies or grant funding from various levels of government. However, this is not a comprehensive list of the courses or certifications offered. Nor should this list be taken as an endorsement of the content or outcomes provided. These courses have not been assessed for their ability to improve the AM Competencies. Moving forward, CNAM and the AMCF National Partners will be working to assess this ability and to better integrate the AM Competencies into their training materials. They will also be encouraging other training providers in the industry to do the same.Select AM Courses and Certifications Available in Canada:
| CNAM’s “New to Asset Management” resources include courses and materials that are ideal for those who are starting their AM journey and want to build a basic understanding of AM, quickly, and at low cost (with some resources being free and many in French). Many learners typically follow CNAM’s intro AM101 and AM102 courses with one of the more advanced courses below. |  |
| NAMS Canada is an affiliate of the IPWEA and uses IPWEA’s NAMS+ system to assist local governments and public works entities to improve the way they manage their public infrastructure assets. Their professional certificate on-line training course utilizes applied learning and is aligned with ISO 55000 and the International Infrastructure Management Manual (IIMM). |  https://www.namscanada.org/ |
| PEMAC’s Asset Management Professional online certificate builds participants’ knowledge and skill in key subject areas such as risk management, knowledge management (enterprise database systems), and strategic decision making through the asset lifecycle. |  |
| IAM appoints endorsed trainers around the world, including Canada. Various approved trainers deliver courses that are aligned with the IAM’s professional qualification exams including the IAM Certificate and IAM Diploma. |  |
| Regional / provincial AM communities of practice across Canada provide various free and advanced courses. Typically targeting municipalities and communities, these regional / provincial groups can help infrastructure owners better understand what provincial regulations they are subject to, as well as identifying specific grants that they might be eligible for. |  https://cnam.ca/resources/ |
