"Not everyone learns the same way. Some respond better to hands-on training while others prefer seeing a PowerPoint presentation in a classroom setting," says Bob Pattengale, training manager, Robert Bosch LLC. "Our goal is to provide an optimal learning environment for the widest variety of individuals and adding this format is helping us move in that direction."
In July 2013, Bosch, for the first time, offered a one-hour, WebEx-style training at no-charge exclusively to its Bosch Car Service (BCS) participants, a network of shops that follow Bosch service standards for excellence. The first event, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) training, was a combined technical and Bosch parts update, which provided a high-level overview of GDI, as well as information about the new Bosch GDI fuel injectors in the market. Since then, additional WebEx topics have included:
• Air conditioning update about the new refrigerant 1234yf by Paul DeGuiseppi from the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS)
• Battery technology and the introduction of new Bosch AGM batteries
• Automotive braking technology with an update on what's new with Bosch brake parts
"The topics are not always technical," says Pattengale. "The point is to communicate the latest information from Bosch that will help shops provide the best service to their customers."
WebEx events are offered on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m. Central Time and never go beyond an hour. They start with 30 to 40 minutes of instruction followed by 15 to 20 minutes of questions and answers.
To sign up: The BCS representative logs onto www.boschtechinfo.com and registers for the class. A confirmation email is sent, approximately 36 hours before the event, along with registration information and suggestions on how to prepare for the session.
"Online learning is a great way to learn in the shop and allows the opportunity for more than one individual to participate," Pattengale says.
Subscribe to Motor Age and receive articles like this every month…absolutely free. Click here.
