About
About AP-Learning Systems
APLS is the training division of Asset Performance Networks (AP-Networks). AP-Networks was built to provide heavy industry firms with the tools and services they need to implement industry best practices for capital projects and STO events across a site or an entire company.
Over two decades, our databases have grown. Today, we deploy the latest cloud-based platforms, artificial intelligence/machine learning technologies, and maintain the world's largest dataset around capital projects and STOs.
Professional Training Programs
AP-Learning Systems (APLS) focuses on dynamic e-learning training programs for professionals who work in maintenance and capital projects in heavy industries. Future and existing maintenance and project planners, schedulers, project control analysts, turnaround managers, and any other professionals whose job requires understanding or executing projects, maintenance shutdowns, turnarounds, and outages will benefit from these programs.
Our seasoned practitioners have designed a unique online series of industry best-practice training programs that formalize and set industry standards for the skills and competencies required to progress and succeed in professional careers.
Planning Mastery Certificate Program
The Planning Mastery: From Fundamentals to Expertise training program is a three-level certificate program that sets the industry standards for skills and competencies required to succeed in the planning function.
Turnaround Management Certificate Program
The Turnaround Management training program covers all the concepts required to successfully manage shutdowns, turnarounds, and outages (STOs) — from the basics to advanced concepts like budgeting, governance, complexity, leadership, and leveraging world-class turnaround tools from AP-Networks.
Content Creation Team
Edmund (Ted) J. Lister
Professional Background
Ted Lister has built an impressive career in maintenance and projects over thirty years, from the shop floor to the boardroom, across six continents in the hydrocarbon and mining industries. He has gained invaluable insights into physical asset management and resource performance through mentorship from seasoned practitioners and visionary leaders, particularly in planning, scheduling, and controls. His dedication to sharing his lessons-learned skill set and innovative solutions is reflected in his numerous achievements.
- Researched and practiced specialized scheduling methodologies to increase direct worker tool-time performance.
- Delivered specialized workshops for planning, scheduling, and controls for maintenance and turnarounds to hundreds of learners.
- Published "Successful Change Management" in 2005, still relevant in today's changing environment.
- Documented savings of over USD$ 150MM on several major events in hydrocarbon processing, related to strategic planning, agile scheduling, and tactical execution.
John Crager
Professional Background
John Crager is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of heavy industrial maintenance and major capital project experience with a focus on industrial gases, refining, chemical manufacturing, mining, and civil infrastructure.
He has practiced his trade in North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa most notably for Air Products, Air Liquide, Tyco, Codelco, and Amazon and was a faculty member in the School of Engineering at Texas A&M.
A published author on maintenance improvement, performance measurement, and change management, John's practical experience and academic insights make him well-suited to guiding learners through best practice work planning processes.
Craig Small
Professional Background
Craig Small is a Senior Consultant with AP-Networks, based out of the company's office in Houston, Texas. He leverages a background of more than 30 years in turnarounds, maintenance, and reliability to provide expert guidance to both upstream and downstream companies.
Craig has worked in a diverse array of industries that include chemicals, plastics, acetates, pharmaceuticals, emulsions, and utilities. His wide range of experience allows him to approach challenges from the perspective of an owner as well as a contractor. Craig holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He is a trained Six Sigma Black Belt, and a Root Cause Analysis Leader.