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 to 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.
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