Automaker 'committed' to training efforts
General Motors Corp. is committed to performance-based training that provides technicians with information and skills needed to do quality collision repairs, says Jean Hart, technical training integration manager for GM. For technicians, this is welcome news and only tempered by the fact that hands-on training and certification is limited to technicians connected with a either in a dealer-owned shop or a sublet independent facility. Key features of the program are the following:
- Computer Based Training (CBT), which provides product or system function and theory of operation. Technicians complete self study CBTs via CD-ROM at their own pace;
- Interactive Distance Learning (IDL), which provides product diagnostic procedures;
- Live, instructor-led sessions, broadcast directly to the dealerships;
- Hands-on training, which facilitates the practice of the skills and knowledge learned in the programs. Technicians
- can attend 23 regional and satellite training locations.
- GM Service Know How Program, which provides product introduction and awareness. Technicians view and test at their convenience. Video kits sent to dealerships include a VHS tape and reference booklet.
Collision repair technicians have three training path areas: body structural repair, mechanical/electrical body repair and paint and refinish. Each area, with the exception of paint and refinish, include fundamental electrical, Tech 2 and SI 2000 (GM's service information) courses. Specific courses for each area are the following:
- Body Structural Repair: Metal inert gas welding, air bag and three body structural repair courses
- Mechanical/Electrical Body Repair: Air conditioning, air bag, and waterleak and wind noise repair courses
- Paint and Refinish: Courses and certification provided by GM approved paint suppliers.
GM sets minimum dealer Service Training Standards (STS) for their dealers, which include body and paint requirements. The dealerships need to train at least one technician on its own staff or at its sublet shops to meet minimum standards.
Consequently, if an independent shop serves any GM dealerships, it may help the dealer meet its standards and realize the benefit of OEM training by having your GM dealership set you up in the Training Management System (TMS) as a sublet shop.
If this is the case, the GM training completed will credit the dealer's minimum STS requirement, and the dealership should then allow the independent shop to participate in the training.
In addition, CBT CD-ROMs, GM Service Know How videos and print-based training materials are available for purchase by calling the GM Training Materials headquarters at (800) 393-4831. Soon, videotaped versions of live IDL broadcasts and the supporting student books will also be available for purchase. These may be purchased by non-dealer repair shops at a slightly higher rate.
For more information about GM STC, visit the Web site at www.gmstc.com.
