Welcome to the F&CO Cross-Training Program
Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) Cross-Training Program is a professional development opportunity for you to expand your skills and improve your ability to support George Mason’s facilities needs. Once accepted into the program, you will complete assigned classes using the online training platform, Interplay Learning. Click here to visit the site or here to watch an introductory video.
Your training will include 80 hours of classes, cost covered by F&CO, across four trades: Structural, Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC. These classes provide a basic level of understanding of critical topics in each trade. You will be given 2 hours a week to complete this training during working hours. While in the program, you may also elect to complete as many additional classes (cost covered by F&CO) as desired in the Interplay Learning platform outside of normal working hours. Several optional classes are available, which build on mandatory content and provide more advanced information on a broader range of topics.
Once your online training is complete, you must demonstrate practical mastery of specific skills to a level III trade technician or qualified supervisor.
Open enrollment into the program will occur twice a year. Classified, F&CO employees who are interested in applying for the program, should have a discussion with their supervisor and complete this dynamic form by September 18, 2026. Space is limited and participation is not guaranteed. Selection will be based on organizational needs, quality of past and current performance ratings, and demonstrated interest in the program training topics.
Program Timeline - Fall 2026 Cohort
Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
Acceptance Notification: September 25, 2026
In-Person Orientation: September 30, 2026
Training Course Completion Deadlines
- Structural (19.5 hours): Nov 30, 2026
- Plumbing (18.5 hours): Jan 31, 2027
- Electrical (18.5 hours): Mar 31, 2027
- HVAC (18.5 hours): May 31, 2027
Program Details
Online Testing
- Proctored Environment: Final course tests and module knowledge checks cannot be completed remotely or unmonitored. All final assessments must be completed in group sessions within the FM Training Room, proctored by Facilities Management Operations (FMO) management.
- Testing Duration: Individual course final quizzes take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Group testing blocks will be scheduled for 60 minutes to allow batch completion of 3–4 course quizzes.
- Supervisory QC Audits: Zone Supervisors and Managers will conduct weekly audits cross-referencing administrative time logs against Interplay portal timestamps. Pre-testing security checks will verify that exams were not accessed prior to proctored sessions.
- Program Compliance: Bypassing proctoring rules, falsifying hours, or sharing administrative credentials will result in immediate removal from the program and escalation to Human Resources.
Practical Competency Evaluation & Hands-On Sign-Off
- Practical Demonstration: Upon completing an online module, technicians must execute a hands-on field evaluation observed and signed off by their Zone Supervisor or designated Subject Matter Expert (SME) as a completed work order in Asset Essentials.
- Internal Defect Testing Lab: FMO is exploring an internal testing lab modeled after Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and Laurel Ridge Community College trade diagnostic facilities to standardize practical evaluations. More information will be shared as plans progress.
- Apprenticeship & Licensing Pathways: Coursework and practical hours are structured to align with Virginia DPOR Journeyman licensing standards and Registered Apprenticeship models (e.g., UVA Facilities Management)