How long do you train a new employee before letting them work routes alone?

We’re currently hiring 2 new scoopers, so I’ve been thinking a lot about training expectations and how quickly a new employee should be trusted to run routes independently.

Right now, our training process is usually around 2 weeks.

That gives them time to get comfortable with:

• our job flow
• checklists
• customer notes
• “on the way” messages
• completion expectations
• how to walk a yard properly
• how to identify problem areas
• the actual technique of scooping efficiently
• how to handle gates, dogs, and customer-specific instructions

With pet waste removal, the job sounds simple from the outside.

But there’s a big difference between “walking around picking up poop” and actually knowing how to service a yard thoroughly, efficiently, and consistently.

A new employee has to learn how to scan the yard, follow patterns, avoid missing areas, manage time, respect the customer’s property, and communicate properly when something is off.

I also don’t want to rush someone onto a route too fast and create callbacks, missed areas, or customer trust issues.

At the same time, training too long can be expensive and slow down capacity when you’re trying to grow.

So I’m curious how other route-based or service businesses handle this.

How long do you typically train a new employee before they work alone?