The automotive aftermarket industry has long recognized ACDelco for its world-class training program that helps technicians and shop owners to stay current with new technology through the latest information and cutting-edge instruction.

Now, it’s ACDelco’s turn to hand out the accolades through its Training Excellence awards program, acknowledging those technicians and Independent Service Centers (ISCs) that make extraordinary efforts to improve their technical expertise.

“ACDelco’s Training Excellence awards program is just one way ACDelco recognizes technicians and service centers as they get involved in ‘blended learning’ training,” said Todd Dawn, ACDelco training manager. “The awards represent personal accomplishments as well as a commitment to staying current with the industry.”

Technicians who complete any of the four ACDelco training curriculum paths will receive a three-inch custom medallion noting they have completed the training and are now a specialist in that particular area. The four curriculum paths include Brakes, Engine Performance, Electrical and HVAC.

In addition, service centers whose employees complete 10 ACDelco Web-based training classes and six ACDelco instructor-led classes will receive a customized plaque.

In 2006, ACDelco moved to a “blended learning” approach to training, which supplements hands-on classroom instruction with Web-based courses. To recognize technicians and shops that embraced this change, ACDelco honored its Best Trained Technician and Best Trained Service Center of 2006 at its National Convention last November. Buddy Weatherford of Buddy’s Under the Hood service center in Cedar Park, TX, took home a Midtronics 500 Micro XL Battery Tester as ACDelco’s Best Trained Technician of 2006. Ron’s Automotive in Vancouver, WA, earned a $1,000 Image Building Graphic Kit as the Best Trained Service Center for 2006.

According to Dawn, Weatherford took the most blended learning training of any individual from January through October, 2006, while employees of Ron’s Automotive took the most classes of any ACDelco Total Service Support (TSS) service center. “Both of these awards are ACDelco’s way of showcasing some individuals who have really adopted ACDelco’s new ‘blended learning’ curriculum,” Dawn said.

In addition to the training awards, ACDelco will offer several new training classes starting in January of 2007. Two are Web-based classes entitled “Hybrid Introduction and Safety” and “Hybrid Vehicles: Theory, Operation and Service.” Two new service seminars – “Hybrid Technology” and “Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology” – complement them. In April, three more service seminars are planned to launch: “Emerging Technologies I,” “Vehicle Communication Systems Diagnosis” and “Advanced Charging and Starting Systems Diagnostics.”

ACDelco also is rolling out 20 new Tech Assists – 10- to 15-minute online training sessions – at a rate of two per week between January 12 and March 16. Tech Assists provide a quick and easy way for technicians to review an important concept or stay up-to-date with new information about a component or system.

Another new element of the Business Management curriculum scheduled to begin in February is the Business Management Training Forum. For ISC, WD and Jobber employees who have attended an ACDelco Business Management Seminar, the Training Forum provides a means for them to communicate with each other and with the ACDelco Business Management Instructors. It is intended to facilitate further discussion on the seminar topics, and provide a way to share information or insights related to the training.

ACDelco’s TSS program is uniquely positioned in the industry, offering exclusive access to a wealth of tools, training and benefits to help enhance nearly every aspect of an ISC’s business. For more information on ACDelco training course offerings, or to enroll in an ACDelco training class, visit acdelcotechconnect.com and click on the “Training” tab. All training courses are offered at no additional charge to ISCs that participate in ACDelco’s TSS program.

ACDelco markets quality parts for Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, GM and most vehicles on the road today. To find an ACDelco parts retailer near you, log on to acdelco.com or call 1-800-ACDelco.