From research to operational training: Conceptual Models empowering young professionals

Abstract

Innovation is believed necessary to enable training providers to address changing demands for skills, knowledge and unarticulated needs in all fields of work. While the term “innovation” seems to call for something remarkably modern and technologically advanced, one should not forget that innovations that are based on creativity and the usually understated qualities of a committed team of professionals. The innovation in training presented here has not used the most sophisticated learning technologies available, but it is unique in the sense that it implemented clear outcomes from scientific research into operational training. It was the combination of creative ideas, timely actions and informed pedagogical choices that made it a successful initiative. This innovation is centred on the “Workbook on the application of Conceptual Models in forecasting,” available in Spanish under the title, “Prácticas para Pronosticadores,” which became the centre-piece for various training opportunities and new projects of the WMO Regional Training Centre (RTC) and VLab Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Argentina.