Training can take your techs from good to great.

With more great U.S. employment news coming out every day, the hiring pinch is being felt by fleets across the nation. This means that in your shop, the technicians you already have on board are more valuable to your operation than ever, and the time, resources and attention you invest to help them become better at their jobs only increases that value. As a manager, you know that it is always smart business to make the most of your assets, and training your techs is no different.

We’re busy! Why train?

Today, successful fleet maintenance depends on up-to-date computer skills, knowledge of technical tool sets, and efficient work habits that make the most of these skills. In a busy shop, it can seem counter-intuitive to suspend the work of a tech—or several—so that they can complete some training. But, it is time well-spent. Here’s why: Your techs may be getting the job done, but without full training, they are likely to be struggling unnecessarily, cutting corners where they should not, and generally “just getting by.” Their work is subpar, and that can mean rework. Do you have time for rework?

Another, more subtle factor comes into play when an untrained tech completes that job. He or she notes their lack of competency, and that becomes part of how they approach the same job going forward. Given an assignment to complete an untrained (or under-trained) task, and he or she will remember the struggle of previous attempts. Experienced often enough, this can add up to a general sense of not being a good fit for the job, and of not receiving the right kind of support to get better. When that point of view takes over, good techs go looking—and get hired—elsewhere. Do you have time to hire and onboard his or her replacement?

These are just two reasons why it is important to look beyond the question of how much work time will be lost to training. In fact, considering the bigger picture, it is easy to see that the costs of not training can be significantly greater than any cost associated with training.

Target training

You may be in perfect agreement that training is a worthwhile investment, but still wonder how you can make sure that it delivers on its promise. Here are a few tips:

First, take a tip from the professionals: It is not what your people know that counts, it is what they can do. You are looking for the gaps in abilities. These are what you want to fill with training. This means that you must observe your techs in action. Watch what they do, how they employ the tools you provide them and how long it takes to get a task done. Take note of how your techs handle, care for, and maintain equipment—confident workers value the tools they use; those who are not quite sure treat the same tools carelessly or incorrectly.

Next, reach out for help from your industry contacts. Many equipment and system manufacturers offer training programs designed to address just the kinds of needs your techs have. Make a call, send an email or ask your equipment representative. You may be surprised at the resources available, both as in-person and online learning opportunities. Employing these options to meet your training targets will make your training initiative both efficient and effective.

Finally, let your techs know that you see training as an opportunity to build each individual into a better team member, and by doing so create the best team—and workplace--possible. Emphasize that learning more about how to do his or her job can lead to less stressful workdays, positive new responsibilities, and greater job confidence.

Conclusion

In sum, a tight employment market could be a very good thing if you see it as an opportunity to invest in the team of techs you already employ. These men and women are eager to grow in their jobs and contribute more to your team, and thoughtfully targeted training, supported by your suppliers, can deliver this promise.

Howard Williams is a corporate technical sales specialist at Bee Line Company. He has lead the computerized wheel alignment and truck frame correction factory and on-site training courses for Bee Line for more than 20 years. With his professional technical training and hands-on experience, Williams also oversees the corporate technical sales efforts for Bee Line.

Bee Line training courses have been developed to advance a beginning technician’s skills to the next level as well as an experienced alignment technician who wants to refresh their skills and knowledge.

Bee Line offers high-quality, hands-on learning opportunities at their fully-equipped training facility or on-site at a fleet location. Training can be tailored for beginner or advanced learning, and for individuals or groups. For more information on training available through Bee Line, visit http://www.beeline-co.com/training.