In order to do any job, an operative must have at least basic training in that area. Every colonist starts the game with a certain skill set. To see what skill badges a colonist has, click on the person to bring up their colonist panel and then click the brain icon. (Or see the Personnel Roster on this site.)
New skills, or greater proficiency in existing skills, can be gained through training, using either the library, which is free but takes a while, or the training pod, which is fast but costs credits.
Training a colonist multiple times in the same skill makes the colonist more proficient in that area and adds a star to that badge, up to a maximum of 4 stars. Each star means the colonist works faster and/or more efficiently.
Below is a list of all skill badges. Note, however, that each mission includes a limited number and type of training programs. Select an operative and click on the library or training pod to see which training programs are available, or see the walkthroughs for details.
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Mining - This badge enables a colonist to operate the iron extractor, silicon extractor or titanium extractor. |
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Nutrient Extraction - This badge lets a colonist run the nutrient extractor. |
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Repair - This badge is for operating the engineering repair facility. |
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Chicken Extraction - This badge shows proficiency in running a chicken farmer unit. |
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Pharmaceutical Extraction - A colonist with this badge is able to operate a pharmaceutical extractor. |
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Space Gas - This badge allows an operative to run an argon gas rig. |
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Scavenging - This badge lets a colonist run a scavenger bunker, which can be used to collect iridium or protoraptor pods. |
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Electronics Fabrication - This badge shows proficiency in operating an electronics fabricator. |
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Cybernetics - A colonist with this badge has the skills and knowledge to build androids using a cybernetics lab. |
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Industrial Robotics - In order to build replacement robots using an industrial robotics factory, an operative must have this badge. |
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Military Robotics - Building replacement robots using a military robotics factory requires this badge. |
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Lasers - The more stars a colonist has on this badge, the better aim she has and the farther she can shoot using a manual laser. |
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Bio Research - An operative with this badge can run a bio resarch lab, which is used to plant GM bamboo for food or grass for golf courses. |
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Weeding - This badge shows an operative is trained to use a weeding post. More stars means his flamethrower covers a wider radius. |
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Power - The more stars a colonist has on this badge, the more efficiently she can run the power desk. |
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Oxygen - In order to monitor systems on the oxygen desk, a colonist needs at least basic skill in this area. |
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Medi Prep - Medi bays cannot be used until they are first prepared by an operative trained to use the medi prep desk. |
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Cleaning - Even a basic skill like cleaning requires a badge. This one shows the operative can run a cleaning post. |
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Maintenance - When objects inside your base break down, a colonist with this badge can use a maintenance post to fix them. |