Training mangers have to use scarce resources wisely, and ensure that the training investment made in keeping technicians up to speed is providing a return.
Along with this, there is a need to have a way to clearly identify areas where training is needed to help focus the training budget. Now add in the need to validate existing skill sets to establish a baseline for developing a training plan for each individual, and have a reliable way to measure the effectiveness of the training provided.
One simple way to do all this is to incorporate the ASE certification process into your training program.
Leveraging training and certification together lets you tap into the power of both, while using what we know works. ASE provides a standard of knowledge as defined by the industry for each area of certification.
Taking a certification test provides insight into the level of knowledge held by the individual in a particular area, which can be used as a baseline for establishing areas of strength and weakness. For example, examining a score report from an ASE test will help identify areas where more training would be beneficial and allow you to tailor the training process so that the individual is not receiving training they really don’t need, or wouldn’t improve their existing knowledge enough to provide a viable return for the investment. In other words, it helps focus your training efforts where they’ll do the most good.
One of the most significant benefits a certification program brings to the training environment is an independent, third-party assessment process. Training can take many different forms, and is generally available from a variety of sources, be they OEM, equipment and parts suppliers, formal educational institutions, private training organizations, or elsewhere. Regardless of where the training originates, ASE certification provides a common denominator for measuring both existing and acquired technical knowledge.
ASE certification also provides a good way to measure improvement in skills and knowledge generated by your training program, which helps define that ROI mentioned earlier. But perhaps the most important value ASE certification brings to the training equation is a system for periodically requalifying an individual to make sure the training they take is effective and keeps them on the cutting edge of technology. The five-year recertification cycle also helps drive home the need for ongoing training. In this way, training and certification work together quite effectively. It’s the power of two.
Many businesses see the value ASE certification provides and aggressively use it to give them an advantage in career development. They look to ASE Certification as an indicator of the skill level of the individual during the hiring process. Being a Master Technician can be particularly significant if you’re looking to hire the best possible candidate and ASE certification is one of the hallmarks many consider.
If you’re interested in getting the most from your training investment, consider adding ASE certification to the plan. Take advantage of the power of two.
