Why is online training not good enough?
Technicians can obtain quality online training. However, using Google to find a topic does not guarantee a quality, or correct, method to diagnose a particular issue.
Although online training can provide some good information and has financial and time advantages, there is no substitute for in-person training. The ability to ask questions, have a discussion, network and interact with knowledgeable individuals cannot be duplicated in an online environment. In addition, not all on-line training is accurate. We will suggest some online training sources that we trust while conducting the mentoring program, but what we suggest will have been vetted before we encourage you to watch
What is the difference between classroom and hands-on training?
Classroom training allows a trainer to deliver the information required to diagnose a system or problem to a large group. A structured class can cover all of the levels of a topic while allowing participants to ask questions and obtain answers to the questions they desire. Hands-on training allows the technicians to put the covered topics to use. The advantage of hands-on training is twofold: it allows for reinforcement of the diagnostic techniques discussed in the classroom while allowing technicians to use the equipment that they have available to them in the shop.
What is my return on investment?
This is a very hard point to track. First of all, as technicians learn and hone their skills, they will produce more hours in a shorter period of time. Second, positive communication and technician attitude will facilitate productivity. Third, more accurate diagnostics will reduce warranty labor in the future and, if you are not tracking warranty cost, that is probably a larger business expense than you realize.
Can I share the cost of technician mentoring with other shops to reduce my cost?
The hands-on portion of technician mentoring should be reserved for your shop. The reason for this is the one-on-one benefit for your technicians and the private time required to access your shop operations. However, there is no reason why you couldn’t sell seats to the classroom portion of a mentoring visit to other community repair facilities. Doing so could reduce the cost of a mentoring class and potentially, if there were enough attendees, add funds to your training budget for future use.