Automotive service and
repair shop owners will not want their young technicians to miss this unique
symposium at this year’s Congress of Automotive Service and Repair (CARS)
event, which will be held in Detroit July 30-Aug. 2. It was designed
specifically for the young technicians who shop owners believe have the skills
to be all-star technicians.
The Young Technician’s
Symposium – to be presented for the first time ever at CARS – will be
powered by Bosch. Targeting the two- to three-year technician, Bosch trainers
will use interactive teaching methods to move young technicians from
maintenance and light repairs to electrical and driveability diagnosis with
confidence and speed.
ASA is working with Bob
Pattengale, training manager for Robert Bosch, on solutions to address the
challenges young technicians face during their initial years on the job.
Donny Seyfer,
chairman-elect of the Automotive Service Association, which sponsors CARS, said
Bosch recently conducted a trial training program with members of ASA-Colorado.
Out of that came the idea to put together a two-day, four-session intensive
program that would teach techs with two or more years’ experience real-world
diagnostic skills. Skills that will give them a firm grasp of basic
electronics, gas and diesel engine management, sensors and actuators, and
electronic brake management, including ABS and vehicle stability systems.
“The ultimate goal is
giving young technicians a game plan that will allow them to continue learning
once they are back in the repair shop,” said Pattengale. Students will also
receive pre- and post-tests. All passing students will receive a certificate
from Bosch.
Part 1 of the Young
Technician’s Symposium will be presented Friday morning, Aug. 1, from 9
a.m.-noon. Part 2 will be held Friday from 1-4 p.m. Part 3 is scheduled for
Saturday morning, Aug. 2, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., and Part 4 will be held
Saturday from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
All sessions will be held
in the COBO Center, Detroit’s world-class meeting and convention facility.
When registering, the
“Super Pass” option is recommended because this program is not offered as individual
sessions. Each student must attend all four sessions Friday and Saturday,
Aug.1-2. Also, there is a limit of 30 students due to the number of available
training modules.
ASE Blue Seal and I-CAR
Gold Class facilities can buy Super Passes at a 50 percent discount.
Seyfer said ASA is
excited to debut this program Aug. 1-2 in Detroit at CARS. “One of the
big challenges young technicians face,” said Seyfer, “is moving from
maintenance and light repair services into diagnosing electrical problems with
confidence and speed. For many, electrical systems represent a barrier they
cannot break through. After attending the symposium, they’ll be able to earn
more for themselves and their shop.”
Anyone wishing to attend
CARS should register today at www.CARSevent.com.