Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2015 64 I n the fall of each year, 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 effectively support appliance products. That's how it used to work, anyway. There have been noticeable reductions in training classes in some areas, due to cost and staff realignment at the manufacturing level. In addition, many service providers, reluctant to lose a day's revenue may choose not to take techs off the road for training. They might send one tech to cross train others, or choose to use other methods to support the product, like expanded use of a technical support line. It's always been important in the appliance service industry to take advantage of all training opportunities, and independent service providers should make every effort to take time to insure that they and their staff are up to speed on the latest product designs and operational characteristics. The ever changing nature of the product design, and the integration of more electronic features, demands that the educational requirements of the job be honored. Additionally, in this age of cost management and reduction of services, support like technical assistance lines centers and field training classes may become even more restricted than they are today. PSA offers several training opportunities for the appliance service professional. The Basic Appliance Training (BAT) program was initiated 3 years ago to provide a solid foundation on reading and understanding wiring diagrams and schematics, meter usage, and general diagnostic practices to newer techs within the industry. To our surprise, we have 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 held at several locations throughout the country throughout the year, and information on upcoming sessions can be found on our website, www.psaworld.com. In addition, PSA also offers the BAT program at our annual National Appliance Service Convention (NASC ), which will be held September 26-29, 2016 in Dallas, TX. In addition to the BAT sessions, there will be a full round of manufacturer- based training on their key product lines, and NASC also features the best in business management and marketing training. Be sure to check out additional information on NASC 2016, also at www.psaworld.com. As we move forward, there are 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 will be introduced in 2016, and these classes will be available in a "cafeteria" offering to the independent parts distributors that support the training within their area. The training can be customized to the need in the area… if a specific region needs refrigerator and laundry training, we can supply that. Training can also be customized to specific companies- we can come to your location and provide whatever training your technicians might need. Keep an eye out on our website, or stay in touch with your local parts supplier to see what classes may be coming to your area. If you have specific questions, please 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 have not forged a relationship with a local tech school, it's 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! DON'T SKIM P ON PRODUCT TRAINING S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T RO Randy Carney Director of PSA

• Cover