What is it that restricts many owners and technicians from going for more education in their fields? Why do we say we need "update" training and then not show up? Our intentions seem to be good, but when it comes time to sign up, a lot of us just fade away with an excuse of some sort. Getting automotive repair shop personnel involved in education is like herding cats. I feel that the lack of participation is the fault of the shop owner. Many times technicians don't know when classes are available because the owner never told them, or it was decided that the shop couldn't afford to send them. Training expense doesn't get put into the operating budget like it should. Training can be very costly for people in rural America, especially since traveling and overnight stays are often entered into the expense column, too.

Technicians have learned much of their trade on the firing line. When a vehicle comes along that has a new or unique problem, which occurs daily in these times, it's figure it out, trace it and fix it, "Johnny on the spot." Time and experience have taught us that we can learn under pressure. We can go to a service manual and work our way through it. We can actually get the customer's vehicle back on the road, eventually. But the loss of time to go through this exercise on a regular basis will kill the bottom line and that is where the dollars for education are hiding in our financial statements.

How would you shop owners and technicians like to have a training system with up-to-date education that is cutting edge, high tech, includes managerial and human relations classes, and is beamed to your shop via satellite at a cost so affordable you would feel silly telling another shop owner you passed up the opportunity? How do you feel about the ability to gain this information regularly, never having to leave the shop, for as many technicians as you want, for a very low cost. I'm talking a price of around $175 per month, a cost that can be budgeted and included in your cost of doing business! Sounds great, doesn't it? Do you suppose our industry will accept it? Do you think there will be more "excuses" for not taking advantage of it?

I have experienced such a system. My technicians have experienced it. There are a handful of other shops that have experienced it. It has been test-marketed and it's ready for implementation. The possibilities of this technology are mind-staggering, but the possibilities can only be realized by industry support. I ask you to research this and become involved, as it will work for you too! This educational system is being launched now as you are reading this. With your support, it could become a growing benefit to our industry, and your support is the only way it can work. Look for an ad in this publication for such a service. Call them and talk to them about it. Make your decision, then participate. Give me a call and let me know how it is working for you.

Skip Burroughs is the president of Mastercraft Automotive Inc. in Amarillo, Texas. He was also the general director for the ASA board of directors, a past president of ASA-Texas and serves on boards from various other organizations.

RATE THIS ARTICLE What do you think of this article? Your input will help AutoInc. develop additional articles on this subject. Share your thoughts! Your name Your e-mail address

MOST ACCESSED ARTICLES Fuel Injection Service, Not Just Cleaning The Art of Extraction EGR Systems: Operation and Diagnosis Proactive Target Marketing:_Rethinking Your Business Strategy Engine Performance: HO2S Diagnostics MOST E-MAILED ARTICLES Developing Employee Potential How Critical Thinking Can Help Your Business How to Diagnose the Ford Glow Plug What to Look for When Shopping for the Right Shop Management Software Putting a Price Tag on Complaints

AutoInc. Web Site | ASA Web Site | NHTSA Air-bag Proposals Being Reviewed, Final Rules Near | Value-Added Programs: Helping Auto Body Repair Shops Prosper | Thinking About Expanding Your Shop? | Automotive Service Network Programs: Components and Requirements | Guest Editorial | Tech to Tech | Tech Tips | Shop Profile | Net Worth | Chairman's Message