Frank Eichenlaub sent me a copy of the training manual that Jones Intercable uses, and it is, indeed, an excellent summary of what an installer needs to know. When he was with an MSO, Paul Whittlesey used a small in-house installation team in addition to a larger contract group. Where problems were found, the contractors were billed back for the improperly performed work. A useful idea I have not heard recently is to reward installers who are consistently outstanding. Monetary rewards are nice, but a small monetary reward coupled with public recognition could accomplish more.
Motivation is important.
I cannot overemphasize the importance of good equipment and good components. It has been known for a long time that the industry buys enough drop cable and F connectors each year to replace most drops. We don t know where all this material goes, but it is a safe bet that a large part of it goes to replace cheap material bought just a few years earlier that is failing prematurely. Some goes to replace material installed improperly in the first place. The money you save when buying cheap material and tools and in not training and motivating your people, could be the most expensive money you never spent.