The cost to attend the 13th annual TST Technician Training Big Event in March just got a lot more affordable, thanks to event sponsors.
The TST (Technicians Service Training) 2016 Big Event previously cost $335 for non-members and $260 for members. With the help of sponsors including Autolite, Autologic, Automotive Test Solutions, BG, Drew Tech, Flow Dynamics, FRAM, Launch, Neutronics, Midtronics, Redline Detection, Run-Rite and Motor Age, the cost has been dropped to just $75. More sponsors continue to be finalized, and the list is expected to grow.
Register to attend at http://www.tstseminars.org/.
"If technicians don't update, they will evaporate. Technology is moving fast and we all need training to stay up on the best diagnostics procedures and repairs," said G. Jerry Truglia, TST owner, on the importance of training events.
The sponsored training model is similar to that used at Automechanika Chicago 2015, which offered free training to al attendees, thanks to industry sponsorships. "Automechanika Chicago was a big test of this, as well as other events," said Truglia, who did lead some training courses at the Chicago event in April 2015. "Since technicians and shop owners don't have the money to spend on training, this template is the way to go."
In addition to making the training more affordable for the industry, it also offers manufacturers a new opportunity to reach potential customers. "We now have sponsors thinking about a different way to get their message right to the people who buy their products," Truglia said.
The Big Event features four industry speakers who aim to "keep our fellow technicians up to date with the latest technology," said Truglia, who along with all the event speakers, is a Motor Age contributor.
Truglia will be the event's keynote speaker, with Bernie Thompson covering Advanced Leak Detection; Dave Hobbs speaking on Telematics and Advanced Body Electronics Diagnostics; and Ed Hazzard offering Real World Tips from a Mobile Tech.
The full-day event will be held Saturday, March 19 at the Ramada Conference Center in Fishkill, NY. Also included in the training are two manuals, breakfast, snacks during breaks, a hot lunch and beverages available all day.
Truglia said there is more than just attending training events that technicians should be doing to stay on top of the industry and its changes. "Read all technical magazines and watch videos on YouTube and in webcasts," he said.
