Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM APRIL 2023 64 F all traditionally begins the product training season. Manufacturers are out providing instruction on their new product lines, and service providers hungry for training crowd the classes to get the updates that will allow them to support appliance products effectively. Anyway, that's how it used to work. More recently, there have been notable reductions in training classes in some areas, due to cost and staff realignments at the manufacturing level, along with lingering issues related to the pandemic. These have eased somewhat, and several manufacturers are ramping up their field training. In addition, many service providers, reluctant to lose a day's revenue, might choose not to take techs off the road for training. They might send one tech to cross-train the others, or choose other methods to support the product, such as expanded use of a technical support line. It's always been important in the appliance service industry to take advantage of all training opportunities, thus independent service providers should make every effort to take time to ensure that they and their staffs are up to speed on the latest product designs and operational characteristics. The ever-changing nature of product design, and the integration of more electronic features, demand that the educational requirements of the job be honored. Also, in this era of cost management and reduced services, support by technical assistance line centers and field training classes is becoming even more restricted. PSA has offered several field training opportunities for appliance service professionals in past years, but these, too, have been victims of COVID-related restrictions. The Basic Appliance Training (BAT) program was initiated several years ago to providing newer techs with a solid foundation on reading and understanding wiring diagrams and schematics, meter usage, and general diagnostic practices. To our surprise, we've had several more "seasoned" techs also take part in the training, as a refresher. The BAT program, which is supported by our partners in the independent appliance parts industry, is currently being refreshed and consolidated into a two-day session, instead of the original three-day program. We hope to roll out the new, updated program in 2023, so keep an eye on our website for more information: psaworld.org. In addition, PSA has offered the BAT program at our annual PSA Convention, which will be held September 25-28, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV. In addition to the BAT sessions, there will be a full round of manufacturer-based training on their key product lines, and the convention also features the best in business management and marketing training. Be sure to check for additional information on our 2023 event, also at psaworld.org. As we move forward, there will be more changes on the training scene that will allow PSA to provide even more educational support to the appliance service professional. A series of classes in advanced product platform training was introduced in 2016, and these classes will also be refreshed and updated for field training sessions in the next 12 months. Keep an eye on our website, or stay in touch with your local parts supplier to see which classes may be coming to your area. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact PSA directly at 888-777-8851 for assistance. In addition to what PSA can offer you, be sure to stay in contact with technical schools in your area. These schools often provide training classes that you and your tech force can take part in, and they are a great source for recruiting new appliance service technicians for your company. If you haven't forged a relationship with a local tech school, it would be a great idea to do so! Education is key to success in our industry, and PSA stands ready to support you with a variety of offerings. We look forward to seeing you at a PSA training event in the coming year! S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T Randy Carney, Executive Director, PSA DON'T SKIMP ON PRODUCT TRAINING RO

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