Preview guide
New counter people do not need every product fact on day one. They need a safe sequence, a reliable escalation path, and enough repetition to stop guessing.
Days 1–3: safe repetition
Focus on can handling, label checks, tint sequence, shaker loading, cleanup, and how to pause when something looks wrong.
Days 4–7: customer discovery
Practice asking about surface, condition, environment, finish, timeline, and prior coating before recommending a system.
Week 2: controlled independence
Let the trainee run ordinary orders while a senior person reviews exceptions. Track the questions that repeat and turn them into a local quick-reference sheet.
Measure readiness
Readiness is not speed alone. Look for consistent verification, clean handoffs, honest uncertainty, and knowing when to ask for help.