December 1999
Survey of Training Needs
Dear
Chapter Member,
One of
the primary functions of a professional society is to promote professionalism among
its members. Advanced training and skill development is an important route to
increasing professionalism. The Pennsylvania Chapter contains members from a
variety of educational backgrounds, specialties, and expertise levels. Some
training courses may be useful to all while other may benefit only a segment of
our members. Thus, we would like your input as to which types of training you
will support and benefit from.
During
a Saturday in September of 1999, the Chapter sponsored a Basic Boating Course.
Attendance was light. Only four Chapter members took advantage of this no-cost
opportunity. Perhaps most of us already have had basic boating courses or don�t
feel we need them. That experience suggested to me that surveying the members
as to their needs may result in a better turnout next time. Therefore, this is
your opportunity to make some suggestions for future efforts. Help us to help
you!
Listed
below are examples of some courses already suggested.
There is room below for your�
own suggestions as well. Please take a moment to offer your
support for those listed or add you own ideas.
Suggested
Training:
Check all that you would attend
___1.
Basic Boating
___2.
Boat Trailering, Basic Outboard Maintenance, Basic
Boat Operation
___3.
Electrofishing Techniques and Safety
___4.
Fish Identification
___5.
Invertebrate Identification (Mussels, Aquatic Insects,
Crayfish, etc.)
___6.
Basic Fishing Skills
___
Others: write in:____________________________________
�
Thanks,
Andy
Shiels, President
PA Chapter
American Fisheries Society
Responses
There were 33 responses.
Most common training needs
were:
Fish Identification- 66%
Invertebrate identification-
66%
Electrofishing techniques and safety- 52%
Boat trailering,
outboard maintenance and basic operation- 30%
Basic
Boating-24%.�