GSE techs are a rare breed. They are, at times, difficult to find, and when you do find good ones, you most certainly want to keep them.
Here is a way to help them become even better – specialized GSE product training. If you want your GSE professionals to take their skills to a whole other level, advanced specific manufacturer training is a must. The best part is, many of these courses are low-cost or free of charge at the manufacturer's offices.
Here are some we’ve used. This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive list, but just the ones we know first-hand that offer courses to further your GSE tech’s "A" game.
Hobart: Offers in-factory training seminars for maintenance personnel as well as comprehensive on-location training.
TLD: Offers training courses for all of your TLD equipment maintenance needs. Give service manager Mike Rawls a call. He will be happy to assist you.
JBT Aerotech: Conducts factory training at JBT sites around the world. Orlando, FL and Madrid, Spain are primary sites, but classes are also held at the London, England and Singapore offices. Customized training is also held at customer sites. JBT can create a customized course to meet specific customer needs. Also, online training content has been developed and is being launched this year. Customers will then have access to product information and education 24/7.
Josh Parkin, global aftermarket manager of ground support equipment for JBT told us: "We strive to empower our customers with several training options. Properly trained employees significantly improve operational and equipment uptime and reduce cost, incidents and accidents."
We couldn't agree with you more, Mr. Parkin.
Charlatte: A manufacturer of battery-powered electric airport ramp equipment that can be seen in use at airports throughout Europe and the United States. They have factory operations in Brienon, France; Bluefield, VA; and Crawley, West Sussex, UK. Classroom training is provided at all Charlatte facilities or at the customer's locations as required.
Global Ground Support: Manufactures many models of deicing units, as well as catering and cabin service vehicles, glycol recovery vehicles, ambulatory passenger vehicles, Cargomax tow tractors, and ground power units. They offer deicer training at the Global factory in Olathe, KS. These two-day classes cover maintenance and troubleshooting of various company products. Also, Global offers a new interactive training CD. It covers all aspects of the Global Ultimate deicer. You are now able to take the entire training course without the costs associated with taking the actual training course in person. It comes with a complete set of electrical schematics and is a great tool for use as a troubleshooting or refresher aid. For your Global Deicer training needs, give Charles Preston a call.
Lektro: Offers a free maintenance training seminar that covers the following topics :
- Electric SCR theory and troubleshooting.
- Mechanical troubleshooting.
- Preventative maintenance – electrical.
- Motor, battery, and charger maintenance.
- Mechanical, hydraulic, and brake system maintenance.
When you see companies offering in-depth maintenance training courses for their products, it is a very good sign. It shows that they care about their customers and stand behind what they sell. They realize that even though a piece of ground support equipment can be built with the highest quality components, smartest engineering, and newest technology it is still a machine. And machines require maintenance and will eventually have a mechanical failure.
Getting ahead of the problem by offering top-notch parts and technical support, dedicated maintenance techs, and technical training to the customer ensures that their company logo is seen rolling down the flight line of the world's airports for years to come.
About the authors: Kenneth DeVolpi, manager of GSE and operations, has worked for Matheson for more than four years and has been in the aviation industry for more than 25 years, including 15 years with Northwest Airlines. Jason Chapman works in the company's GSE maintenance department and gained GSE mechanical experience with the U.S. Air Force and has worked in the commercial GSE industry for 12 years.
