Page 7 - Tennessee 811 Magazine 2020 Issue 3

COVID – 19 Impact on Violator Training
The unprecedented impact of COVID – 19 has upended the way we’ve had to conduct business across the globe. So it is with Tennessee’s Violator training program. Since May 27, training for all violators of Tennessee’s dig law has been conducted online. The Enforcement Board has determined to continue the online Violator training until further notice, but likely through 2020 at a minimum.
Currently, the training is conducted using the Zoom platform. Craig Ingram, Tennessee 811 Public Awareness Manager said, “From my perspective, the platform has worked well. In addition to using Zoom for the video component, Turning Technologies provides a web-based solution for the violators to respond to scenarios built into the training module itself.”
He continued, “Other than the technical requirements, there are rules established by the Board for the training that must be followed. For example, the one taking the training must have video turned on so we (trainer and/
or the support person) can visually determine that the violator is actually sitting through the training for the entire session. Additionally, the violator must hold his/her I.D. up to the camera for verification that the right person is being trained.”
Violator training is scheduled to be conducted every two (2) weeks and can be scheduled for either morning or afternoon. The cost for the online training is the same as the face-to- face training prior to the pandemic.
The classes have had a maximum size limit placed on them of ten (10) and to date the largest training class has been eight (8).
Last question, Craig. What has been the feedback from those taking the online training? He responded, “Overall,
it has been well received by violators. We’ve had very few technical issues and everybody seems to understand the
we have to follow the rules for successful completion of
the course. Many have indicated that perhaps the biggest advantage is that they don’t have to drive to Nashville to take the training.”
Whatever the training may look like in 2021 is yet to be determined. However, it is encouraging to note that in Tennessee, a bridge was built to get the Enforcement Board from where they were to where they are going.
Call 811 before you dig!
2020, Issue 3
Tennessee811 • 5