July 11, 2025                  NDASA  "THE VOICE" 

By  Jan Kornmann, NDASA Training and Certification Chair, founder KorManagement Services

Training is more than just transferring information, sharing inspiration, guiding, and shaping the way people think and act. A truly effective trainer isn’t someone who knows just the material, they also embody a set of qualities that make learning engaging, meaningful, and transformative. What sets a great trainer apart? Four key elements: knowledge, patience, experience, and the ability to communicate the “why” behind the passion.

A trainer must be well-versed in their subject. Knowledge provides authority, which ensures the trainees trust and respect the information being presented. Beyond facts and figures, a great trainer understands how to connect knowledge to real-world applications, making lessons practical and relatable. 

For example, a trainer must be knowledgeable about the Department of Transportation’s Urine Collector Guidelines and the importance of following the procedures to properly instruct DOT qualified Urine Drug Collectors, while also describing negative outcomes that may occur for non-compliance. When a collector fails to follow the correct procedures under 49 CFR Part 40, it can lead to serious consequences, including invalid test results, regulatory violations, and potential legal or financial repercussions. Here’s what might happen when procedures are not followed correctly:

Test cancellation or invalid results

If a collector makes a procedural error—such as improper specimen handling, incorrect documentation, or failure to follow chain-of-custody requirements—the test may be cancelled or deemed invalid. This means the employer cannot use the results for compliance purposes, and there may or may not be an opportunity to retest, depending on the situation.

Corrective action and retraining

Collectors who violate procedures may be required to undergo additional training to ensure compliance with DOT regulations. Employers and service agents must ensure collectors are properly trained to prevent future errors.

Employer liability and compliance issues

Employers relying on DOT drug and alcohol testing must ensure their collectors follow strict procedural guidelines. If a collector’s mistake leads to non-compliance, the employer may face fines, audits, or corrective action from regulatory agencies.

Public interest exclusion (PIE) for serious violations

In cases of fraudulent or repeated violations, the DOT may issue a Public Interest Exclusion (PIE), barring the collector or service agent from participating in DOT-regulated testing programs.

Impact on employees and workplace safety

Improper collection procedures can compromise workplace safety, especially in transportation industries where drug and alcohol testing is critical. If a test is mishandled, an employee who should have been flagged for substance use may continue working in a safety-sensitive role.

Every trainee learns at a different pace and through various learning styles. Some grasp concepts quickly, while others need repetition and reassurance. A trainer’s patience enables learners to feel safe and supported, creating an environment where they are comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and experiencing growth in their skill set.

There’s a difference between reading about a skill and applying it in real-world scenarios. Experience is what allows trainers to offer invaluable insights, troubleshooting methods, and practical guidance that can’t be found in textbooks. The best trainers incorporate personal anecdotes, case studies, and hands-on activities that enrich the learning process.

A trainer who hasn’t actively performed drug or alcohol collections for at least a year may have gaps in hands-on experience, especially with evolving procedures and regulations. This can affect the ability to provide practical, up-to-date guidance.

Here’s what a trainer who lacks updated hands-on experience might encounter:

• Limited practical knowledge – They may understand the regulations but lack current familiarity with real-world collection scenarios.
• Potential compliance risks – If they’re not actively involved, they might overlook recent changes in DOT 49 CFR Part 40 or other industry updates.
• Reduced confidence in demonstrations – Trainees benefit most from trainers who can showcase techniques firsthand rather than relying solely on theory.
• Weaker engagement – Experience-driven trainers offer valuable anecdotes, troubleshooting strategies, and best practices—something harder to provide without recent fieldwork.

To ensure training effectiveness, it’s best to have trainers who regularly perform collections or remain deeply connected to industry developments. 

4. The “why” behind the passion: Fueling lasting impact

A trainer’s passion is what makes their message resonate. When learners see genuine enthusiasm, they engage more deeply, absorb more, and feel inspired to implement what they’ve learned. But true passion stems from a deeper “why”, which promotes a personal mission, belief, or experience that drives their dedication. Understanding and communicating this “why” creates authenticity and connection, turning routine training sessions into memorable, meaningful experiences.

Great trainers don’t just teach; they empower. They cultivate curiosity, confidence, and competence, leaving trainees with not just knowledge, but the motivation to apply it effectively. Whether training employees, students, or industry professionals, the best trainers recognize their impact extends beyond a single session. It shapes careers, perspectives, and even industries.

Great training techniques make learning engaging, memorable, and practical. Here are some highly effective methods to consider:

• Interactive case studies and real-world scenarios – Using actual cases or hypothetical scenarios allows trainees to apply knowledge to realistic settings. This technique fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills while making the training relatable.  
  
• Hands-on activities and role-playing – Rather than passive learning only, hands-on exercises reinforce skills through practice. Role-playing helps trainees navigate real-world interactions, whether in compliance testing, policy enforcement, or industry-specific situations.
  
• Microlearning and bite-sized lessons – Breaking content into short, focused segments improves retention and prevents information overload. This method works well for technical training or regulatory updates.
  
• Visual aids and infographics – Diagrams, timelines, and comparison charts simplify complex concepts. Incorporating engaging visuals enhances clarity and retention, especially when explaining testing procedures or historical evolution in drug screening.
  
• Discussion-based learning and peer engagement – Encouraging trainees to ask questions, debate issues, and share experiences which makes the training dynamic. Peer engagement reinforces learning through collaboration.
  
• Gamification and competitive learning – Introducing quizzes, challenges, or simulations adds motivation and engagement. Gamification fosters participation and encourages learners to absorb information actively.
  
• The “Teach-Back” Method – Having trainees explain concepts to others reinforces understanding and ensures mastery. This works exceptionally well for compliance-based training, where clarity is essential.
  
• Storytelling and historical context – Tying concepts to real-life stories or historical developments creates a deeper connection to the material. This technique is especially useful when discussing drug testing evolution and societal impact.

Would you like suggestions for tailoring these techniques to your specific training programs?  NDASA’s Training Mastery Co-Hort meetings provide opportunities for trainers to hone their skills, ask questions and receive input from colleagues and expert trainers.

NDASA Teaching Faculty members are experts in the industry, and the training provided is exceptional! 

“I love the in-person training NDASA provides! I always learn more than I expected and get practical wisdom with continued support from the instructors. Thank you!”

“Excellent course material with a knowledgeable trainer. The learning environment was engaging and fun!”

“Thank you for providing expert training with a level of excellence. I feel fully prepared to address challenging issues and help my colleagues to up their game.”

INTRODUCING THE NDASA TEACHING FACULTY

NDASA’s teaching faculty is a group of approved experts who will lead sessions at the association’s live training events, which include pre- and post-NDASA’s Annual Conference training, NDASA webinars, Mid-Year Training, Regional Training, and at other events, as needed. These members have gone through a rigorous application process and were vetted through NDASA’s Training and Certification Committee.

Congratulations to the first NDASA Training Faculty! 

• Kelly Dobbins
• Becki Fisher
• Dean Klassy
• Jan Kornmann
• Mark Magsam
• Chuck Marting
• Leslie Prince
• Joe Reilly
• Chandra Spring DeWald
• John Throckmorton