While some timeless fundamentals remain crucial for successful technician training—like understanding a truck’s make-up, having a positive attitude, and adaptability—the development of technology is revolutionizing our approach. Technicians now need tech-savviness alongside traditional skills to navigate diagnostic tools and complex software necessary for servicing the technology-rich vehicle.
The next generation of technicians is rapidly approaching and starting to contribute to commercial operations. This means they need to be prepared for the alternative fuel vehicles making their way onto today’s roads, whether that be CNG, hydrogen, diesel, hybrids or EVs. However, it’s not solely limited to alternative fuels. Modern systems have evolved significantly compared to 50 years ago, primarily due to the incorporation of even more components and escalating performance demands. The realm of truck technology has expanded to encompass everything from ADAS and autonomous features to powertrain and fuel efficiency advancements.
Consequently, individuals working on trucks must now take into account a far broader array of factors. Over time, troubleshooting has transformed into a sophisticated art, encompassing an ever-growing array of fault codes and a constant influx of data streaming from our trucks. Ensuring that our systems remain up to date has become a critical aspect of providing effective servicing.
That said, it’s important to implement on-going training with your techs as these diagnostic systems could vary slightly with each update. How else can shops build the next generation of technicians to be well-versed in the servicing of emerging zero-emissions vehicle systems?
The next wave of techs is upon us. The ones sitting in today’s classrooms will be the ones servicing tomorrow’s trucks. Make sure they have the wheelhouse to safely and effectively utilize the current, emerging technology on the up and coming zero-emissions trucks.
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