In the world of elevator industry education, the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) leads the way. NEIEP delivers its world-class curriculum consisting of education, training, and safety awareness to some 30,000 industry members who have become the most highly skilled labor force in the elevator industry. As years go by, however, elevator training courses must be updated to reflect the changing nature of the trade.

At the heart of NEIEP’s mission lies the continuous crafting and revising of elevator mechanics’ training content, a process that involves collaboration, dedication, and a commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. NEIEP fosters an inclusive approach to content evolution by drawing on the insights and experience of veteran Elevator Mechanics from around the country who have expert knowledge in the full array of industry best practices and equipment. These Mechanics are keen to share their expertise as part of the process of developing new and revised NEIEP courses, ensuring the next generation has the quality training that supports success from the onset of their careers.  

A Collaborative Effort

NEIEP’s content evolution process is fueled by both in-house and external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). At the heart of this process are NEIEP’s full-time SMEs. These long-time team members possess a deep understanding of the elevator industry and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of training and educational content. 

Complementing the expertise of in-house SMEs are external SMEs, individuals actively engaged in the field, bringing real-world experiences and perspectives to the table. Recruiting these expert minds is essential, as their involvement ensures that the training content remains practical, aligned with industry needs, and reflects the latest advancements in elevator technology. NEIEP’s content crafting and refining process would not function as it has without the input of these two key groups of industry experts.

Before a curriculum revision project begins, NEIEP sends out a request to industry experts, inviting them to share their expertise and contribute to the advancement of NEIEP’s elevator mechanic training. In response, a diverse pool of potential SMEs emerges, each with a unique blend of experience, company affiliations, and specialized areas of expertise. From this pool of applicants, a select group of SMEs is chosen based on their relevance to the specific topics that will be up for discussion. Another key component of an SME’s role is their ability to provide invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of the elevator industry.

Determining the Relevance of Subject Matter

A critical challenge for those responsible for the content in any elevator training course is striking a balance between preserving existing material that remains relevant to today’s work and embracing the elevator industry’s ever-evolving nature. NEIEP must keep up with any technological advances, while also ensuring quality education is available for work to be done on older conveyance equipment. NEIEP carefully considers the retention of older material crucial for certain equipment while recognizing the need to remove topics associated with less-used or outdated machinery.

The decision-making process involves a thorough assessment of industry trends, feedback from instructors and students, and a deep understanding of the skills and knowledge required by Elevator Mechanics today. Through this delicate balancing act, NEIEP ensures that its training content remains relevant, practical, and aligned with the current demands of the industry. Thanks to the input from experts throughout the years, the team at NEIEP has struck the right balance with its curriculum.

Fostering a Diverse Pool of Expertise

Recognizing the importance of diversity in expertise, NEIEP actively encourages younger members of the elevator industry to participate in the content evolution process. While veterans bring clear experience, the program understands the fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that younger individuals can bring to the process.

NEIEP emphasizes the importance of differing perspectives, seeking expert Instructors, Mechanics, and Adjusters with a broad range of years of experience as well as expertise with both older and more recent equipment and procedures. This diversity enhances the quality of the end product, fostering a collaborative environment where seasoned professionals and newer voices alike contribute to a comprehensive, inclusive, industry-leading curriculum.

A Testament to Unwavering Commitment

NEIEP’s content evolution process strives to create training materials that are accessible and engaging for individuals of all experience levels. The crafting and revising of training content at NEIEP represents a meticulous undertaking that involves continued collaboration, research, and dedication. The entire team at NEIEP’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement ensures that its educational offerings remain at the forefront of the elevator industry, preparing the next generation of professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for success. NEIEP’s dedication to excellence is evident in every step of its content evolution process, ensuring that Elevator Mechanics and Elevator Apprentices across the country have access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date training available.