The Strategic Advantage of In-House Training Specialists

July 31st, 2024

In today’s fast-paced engineering landscape, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial. At Galloway, the integration of an in-house Civil 3D training specialist has proven to be a strategic advantage, fostering innovation, efficiency, and a strong company culture. This article explores the benefits of having a seasoned professional with a rich background in engineering, software training, and consulting, as an integral part of the team.

Bringing Expertise In-House: A Strategic Decision

Mick Reynolds came to Galloway in 2017. After nearly a decade as a consultant, was driven by his desire for a stable work-life balance and a place to grow as a mentor. Galloway’s diverse portfolio and commitment to growth, even in challenging economic times, were significant factors in his decision. At Galloway, Mick does not just create custom templates or training materials, he has developed a comprehensive training program tailored to the needs of all employees, from interns to seasoned professionals.

Mick’s engineering background provides a distinct advantage. Unlike many trainers who are solely software experts or CAD designers, Mick brings a deep understanding of engineering principles. “For me, this job is nonexistent if I am not an engineer,” said Mick. “How can you create a software and provide training without an understanding of the technical role you are creating it for?” This allows him to teach not just the technical aspects of the software but also the practical application of these tools in real-world scenarios. His approach goes beyond theoretical knowledge, offering hands-on learning that equips employees with problem-solving skills within the context of the software.

The Benefits of an In-House Trainer

1. Deep Understanding of Company Culture and Processes: An in-house trainer like Mick has an intimate knowledge of Galloway’s roots, processes, and people. This familiarity allows for the creation of standardized assets and workflows that align with the company’s needs, ensuring consistency and quality across projects. “We create instructions for people to build from and I want to hold our standard as the best set of instructions,” said Mick. “Our plans are our product, and they all need to perform the way they are supposed to, but also be easily readable and understandable. I want someone recognize a Galloway plan set just by looking at it.
2. Accessibility and Continuous Support: Employees have a readily available resource for learning and troubleshooting. Mick’s presence at Galloway fosters an environment in which employees feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
3. Tailored Training and Innovation: Mick’s engineering experience allows him to provide content-specific training that addresses the unique challenges faced by Galloway’s staff. He is not just teaching software usage but is also involved in developing innovative solutions based on employee feedback. This approach ensures the training is relevant and directly applicable to the work being done.
4. Building a Legacy of Excellence: The resources Mick creates are designed to last, providing a legacy of knowledge that supports both current and future employees. His work in developing a comprehensive 200-plus-page CAD manual, attending industry conferences, lunch and learns, and listening to podcasts keeps Galloway at the forefront of technological advancements. “This is a legacy company, and I am building a legacy for what our CAD standards are,” said Mick.
5. Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: By establishing common knowledge, processes, and vocabulary, an in-house trainer like Mick improves communication and collaboration within the company. This unified approach ensures all team members are on the same page, reducing misunderstandings, increasing efficiency, and creating a quality product.

The decision to have an in-house Civil 3D trainer has been transformative for Galloway. Mick’s experience, knowledge, and dedication have not only elevated the technical skills of the team but have also fostered a supportive and innovative company culture. His work exemplifies the value of combining technical software knowledge with a deep understanding of engineering principles and company culture. As Galloway continues to grow and evolve, the benefits of having an in-house trainer will only become more pronounced, making it a strategic advantage that sets the company apart in the competitive engineering landscape.

About Mick Reynolds

Mick’s journey into the world of Civil 3D training is as unique as it is inspiring. After working full-time at King Soopers for 15 years to help support his family and pay for his college education, Mick transitioned to civil engineering, graduating from Metropolitan State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering technology at the age of 30. His background is diverse, ranging from customer service to management, and includes a deep-rooted interest in computers, geometry, drafting, and design. Mick’s early experiences, including growing up around construction sites and taking drafting classes in high school, laid the foundation for his future career.

After working as an engineer for ten years, Mick’s shift to IMAGINiT Technologies/Ava Tech in 2008 marked a pivotal moment. As a technical engineer and solutions consultant, Mick was at the forefront of adopting and teaching Civil 3D, a new software at the time. His passion for teaching and mentorship blossomed as he traveled extensively, helping companies integrate Civil 3D. Mick’s ability to create custom solutions for clients, often figuring out how to use the software in innovative ways, set him apart. His work was not just about teaching software; it was about solving real-world problems and providing tangible value.

In his nearly 10-year consulting career at IMAGINiT Technologies/Ava Tech, he helped nearly 300 companies, trained nearly 3,000 people locally, nationally, and internationally, and created hundreds of custom Civil 3D templates. He is the author of the Civil 3D manual still used today and has contributed to certified Autodesk training material. Mick is also a certified professional in more than ten different software programs, including Autodesk Civil 3D (professional certification, implementation expert, certified instructor), Navisworks Manage, Infraworks 360, Recap 360, Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Sewer Analysis, AutoCAD, Leica (certified trainer), Cyclone (certified trainer), BIM, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Office.