Postal Service training systems are designed for specific Postal Service employee categories (e.g., craft, technical, professional, supervisory, managerial, and executive). Individual courses within these training systems are described in Learning and Development web pages, Postal Service learning portals, and literature about specific training programs.
An orientation program is required at all levels for new career employees on their first day of official duty.
Craft skills training is usually provided before an employee is required to perform duties under routine supervision.
Craft skills training is required for:
- Newly appointed career craft employees.
- Current career employees transferred to a different craft.
- Craft employees given new duties within the scope of their assignments at management’s direction.
Technical maintenance skills training is required for employees assigned to, or selected for, specific maintenance positions and duties.
The technical maintenance curriculum covers both fundamental and specialized knowledge and skills related to maintaining Postal Service buildings, equipment, and systems.
The location and method of delivery depends on the type of maintenance training. For example:
- Some maintenance courses and on-the-job training are delivered locally.
- The majority of maintenance courses are taught in combined classroom and laboratory courses at NCED.
Note: Local management and the MLDD are responsible for ensuring that an employee has taken and passed prerequisite training before enrolling in courses at NCED.
- Vendors and vocational or technical schools (subject to an approved eBuy requisition) may also deliver maintenance training when Postal Service training is not available.
The Bolger Center and NCED provide Postal Service professionals, specialists, supervisors, managers, and executives with facilities and support for training and development activities.
Individual program requirements drive course enrollment, which is accomplished through various methods, including training administration enrollment systems. Curriculum guides are available from multiple sources, including:
- Learning and Development and NCED intranet sites.
- Publications that support strategic programs.
- Literature about specific training programs.
Selected experienced Postal Service managers receive opportunities to participate in leadership programs designed to improve and expand their performance in current and future positions.
To enhance and maintain professional competence, the Postal Service provides other general and specialized training as needed for management and professional personnel. USPS uses both internal and external sources.
The Postal Service requires initial and in-service training for Postal Service inspectors, police officers, and OIG special agents. The Career Development Unit develops and administers training for Inspection Service personnel (see 714.225).
Initial training for newly appointed inspectors is an extensive program of resident training combined with field instruction. In-service resident training courses, supplemented by online and correspondence programs, are provided as needed to incumbent Postal Service inspectors and professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
Newly appointed Postal Service police officers receive a program of resident training combined with field instruction. Incumbent Postal Service police officers are field trained as needed.
