ACtion Magazine - May 2015 - (Page 8)

Spring training is on! Steve Schaeber E ven though it does not yet feel like summer time in most parts of the country, spring A/C training season is in full swing during this time of the year at MACS, and with it comes busy traveling as we bring our annual Mobile A/C Update training clinic to technicians and service shops across the country. Of course, most of these clinics are held here in the continental United States, but you can also find us in Canada and Puerto Rico in 2015. Most of these training clinics are hosted by MACS, some right here at our headquarters in Lansdale, Pa. Still many others are hosted by our members, either on-site at their location, or perhaps a local catering hall or hotel conference room. Either way, a MACS certified trainer presents our material, while bringing their own personal experience and knowledge to share with the class. The typical MACS A/C clinic follows a familiar format, similar to other training classes held for working professionals. Chances are you've probably been to a few of these semi- In 2015, 3 million cars worldwide will use R-1234yf WE'RE READY, ARE YOU? Reader Reply 8 ACTION * May 2015 nars in the past, especially if you are active in a local association, service or trades group. But what you might not know is just how much work goes on "behind the scenes" to make these events happen. For now, let's forget about the months of preparation that go into writing and rewriting the workbooks and speeches, creating the power point presentation and rehearsing the material a few times before each trainer goes live on stage. At each event, there's a lot that happens before the first attendee even walks through the door. Well in advance of the show date, flyers are sent out to area shops and technicians, sharing details such as date, time, location, topics of discussion, and so forth. Meanwhile, event planners are figuring out staff participation, equipment rental, catering, parking, vendor participation and sometimes entertainment. On the day of, however, it takes a big staff, lots of hard work and many hours to get the room ready for the first people to arrive. After all, a typical clinic seats between 80 and 100 people; with about four persons per table, there are some 20 to 25 tables needed to accommodate everyone. That usually starts around 10 A.M., with a team arranging the coolers, buffets, tables and chairs, tablecloths and place settings. Meanwhile, food is being prepared, while others are stuffing those goodie bags that are given out at the door (we all like those hats and water bottles, right?). Let's also not forget about the table displays for the supporting sponsors' parts, tools, equipment, supplies and the like. At many of these clinics we attend, vendors bring special kits and discounts that are offered at prices rarely seen at other times of the year. As for the instructor, the majority of their prep time is done days, weeks, or sometimes even months in advance, preparing and practicing their speech and presentation several times over. Sometimes these trainers make it look so easy, but in reality they spend an enormous amount of time before hand getting ready for their classes. Usually the presenter will arrive two hours before start time. Set up on site is not quite as intense as preparing the hall, but still includes readying the projector screen, laptop computer, projector, and sound system. We also have to make sure each person gets a copy of the lesson book, and make sure the batteries work in our clickers! Steve Schaeber Manager of Service Training You can reach Steve at Steve@macsw.org http://www.schraderinternational.com/region-selector http://www.schraderinternational.com/region-selector http://www.macsw.org/imis15/MACS/Publications/ACtion_Reader_Reply/MACS/Publications/ACTION/ACtion_Reader_Reply.aspx?hkey=ac24bddb-c045-442a-813c-cbf05f88ac4d

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ACtion Magazine - May 2015

Tool and equipment review
MACS mobile A/C training is everywhere
Outlook
Service Port
Leonard's Law
Virtual View
Last Watch
By the numbers
Industry News
Association News
In Memoriam
Classified

ACtion Magazine - May 2015