Workhorse Kicks off GM Training for Service Center Technicians

In December the pilot regional training event for Workhorse Custom Chassis service technicians was held in Seffner, FL. The training was from the 14th to the 23rd, and technicians representing Workhorse service centers in Florida received authentic General Motors training.

James Deese, Workhorse Custom Chassis instructor, demonstrates a voltage test used for diagnosing electrical problems to technicians receiving training in Workhorse's Specialized Electronics Training course. This course in Elkhart, IN, is one of a number of courses that will be offered to certify technicians who service Workhorse chassis

Workhorse service center technicians took the Specialized Electronics Training course, which is a prerequisite to other GM training courses. Similar training has been scheduled for sessions in the next few months.

Training is a requirement for Workhorse service centers, and technicians must meet the training standards within one year. Basic industry training courses are required prior to Workhorse courses. These include Engine Repair, Automatic and Manual Transmission, Manual Drive train and Axle, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical Systems and Engine Performance. Technicians must then complete three specific courses: Specialized Electronics Training, Tech 2/Scan Tool Diagnostics and Fuel Injection Diagnosis.

These courses provide the basis for developing diagnostic skills. The same course work completed at GM Training Centers also fulfills this requirement.

The Workhorse courses are the same as those used to train GM dealer personnel. Training is conducted by instructors from the Melior Institute, General Motors' alliance partner for fleet and aftermarket training.

Tony Plewa, Workhorse service training manager, said, "The training will help certified RV service centers expand their service capabilities and boost revenues while increasing customer satisfaction. Providing the best total solution for our customers' needs is what Workhorse is all about, and that means convenient, one-stop RV expert service is an important value strategy Workhorse brings to the marketplace. We're here to support our certified service centers in whatever way we can to provide a quality experience for the customer."

Workhorse currently has 362 certified RV service centers in its service network across the U.S. and Canada ­ with future growth projected. Courses are being offered in numerous regional training locations, including community colleges, dealerships and privately-owned training facilities. "We are attempting to get our training sessions close to dealers, so they have less technician down time, less traveling and lower expenses," Plewa said.

RVN