After rolling out WheelTime University “Total Tech,” an online training and ASE certification program, across its own network of 3,500 truck and motor coach techs and 200 locations, WheelTime is offering its online training courses, tools and products to fleets and trucking companies as well as community colleges and technical schools.
“Our goal is to help more techs achieve ASE certification,” said George Arrants, a well-known industry educator and accreditation leader. “For companies and fleets, ASE certified techs get more work done with fewer mistakes and reduced come-backs. For techs, ASE certification increases employment opportunities.”
Developed under Arrants’ direction, WheelTime University’s “Total Tech” program is designed to give techs the knowledge and skills needed to work with today’s advanced diagnostics tools and vehicle operating systems. Coursework covers ASE medium-heavy truck certification testing areas T2 through T8, including: T2 – Diesel Engines; T3 – Drive Train; T4 – Brakes; T5 – Suspension & Steering; T6 – Electrical/ Electronic Systems; T7 – Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC); and, T8 – Preventive Maintenance Inspection. Those certified in tests T2 – T7 are recognized as ASE-Certified Master Medium-Heavy Truck Technicians. To retain their certification, they must retest every five years.
The “Total Tech” online series is ideal for fleets, independent shops and trucking companies that may not have in-house training departments or products and tools to assist techs as they prepare for ASE certification. The program also includes an assessment product that allows managers to determine a technician’s knowledge in areas such as theory, application and diagnostic skills. According to Arrants, some WheelTime members are finding this product particularly useful as a pre-employment assessment tool for both entry level and experienced tech positions.
Select WheelTime University courses will be available to tech schools and community college faculty, enabling those professionals to update their skills while eliminating travel expenses for their administrations. Also, recognizing that a high percentage of students are working to achieve their ASE certification while in school, certain courses and ASE certification prep products also will be open to students.
“With so many technicians across our 200 branches, consistency in technical proficiency and service quality is paramount,” said Mike Delaney, WheelTime Network president and CEO. “The sheer size of our network creates training challenges, compounded by continuous advances in technology and equipment. Only a comprehensive on-line system like “Total Tech” can allow us to deliver high quality, interactive, personalized training to every tech. They love it.”
WheelTime University’s “Total Tech” program is made up of three components per ASE test area, including: assessments for each level, online training courses; and test preparation products/guides. Pricing is as follows:
- Skills Assessments for ASE T2-T8 @ $24.95 each per ASE test level per participant
- Training Courses ASE T2-T8 @ $97.95 per online course per ASE test level per participant
- ASE Test Preparation Products/Guides ASE T2-T8 @ $24.95 per product/guide per level per participant
Studies from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) show that more than 80 percent of fleets feel ASE trained techs are more accurate in their work and more likely to fix problems right on the first try. The study also showed that 75 percent of fleets find ASE trained techs are better able to handle difficult jobs, and 62 percent of fleets surveyed say the ASE certified techs have a better attitude toward their work.
Techs trained through the WheelTime University “Total Tech” program will be evaluated on both their current knowledge prior to training and their retention of information following completion of the program.
“Everyone measures fuel and route efficiency as well as load or asset profitability,” said Arrants. “But most organizations struggle to measure training … and you can’t manage what you don’t measure. “Total Tech” allows an organization to recognize potential measurements for specific outcomes that may ensure training provides increased profitability through cost savings, reduced come-backs, speed and overall increased productivity.”
WheelTime University’s “Total Tech” series offers a platform for training on a wide range of commercial vehicle makes and models. Its focus on “all-makes” total truck and coach service training was identified as the number one need for the WheelTime Network, and plans call for “Total Tech” to be expanded in the future to include some of the newer, fast growth areas for the network, such as alternative fuels.
“Top techs know that to remain strong they have to stay abreast of today’s accelerating developments,” added Delaney. “We know investment in continuous training will help WheelTime members attract and retain the best and the brightest. It’s a big industry and we’re happy to share. By making WheelTime University “Total Tech” courses available to fleet shops, companies and schools, we can give techs coming into the industry a head start while raising standards overall.”
