To determine if a potential technician is qualified for training, JGA admininsters a two-staged interview process. The purpose of the interview process is to determine the extent of the student's existing knowledge of automobiles as well as to ascertain the level of the student's willingness to undergo the lengthy training process.
The ultimate objective of this two-staged process is to ensure the likelihood that only qualified students possessing genuine interest in auto repair begin the extensive and sometimes exhaustive training program. As the student goes through through the training process, re-evaluations are made to ensure the training is productive for both the shop and the employee.
Specifically, before technician training can begin, the prospective student is first interviewed about any existing knowledge of physical science and/or automobile repair. This is done through an intial training interview. Based on the results of the interview, a needs assessment for training can be made, and the student can be guided through the classes outlined below. If pre-existing knowledge of certain science and/or vehicle systems exists, the below classes can be modified to adjust to the student's experience. Once the student's existing knowledge is assessed, the student will be interviewed a second time regarding life goals and professional interests. If the student is a likely candidate for technician training, the student is presented with an overview of the educational requirements needed to become a successful SAAB technician. At this point the student can decide if she or he would like to participate in the training program.
1. the first interview covers the following:
a. depth and breadth of knowledge of physical sciences
·hydraulic science
·mechanical science
·pneumatics and vacuum
·DC electrical science
·structural science
b. experience and intuitive understanding of auto repair
c. personal goals—what do I want to do and what will I need to know to do it?
2. the second interview is covers the first few stages of the Technician Education Flowchart
At this point, qualified candiates for training are presented with the educational requirements outlined below.
A Brief Overview of Training:
Note that the classroom training below is conducted in conjunction with labrotory training, audio/visual training and on-the-job training. For more information please see the section Employee Training Materials.
Preparatory Training
1. An overview of the history of humankinds inventions and general physics
a. brief history of the interconectivity of human discoveries as outlined by historian James Burke
2. An introduction to critical thinking
3. An introduction to the equipment and tools used by automotive technicians
4. An introduction to JGA protocol
Introductory Training
1. An introduction to the science of the automobile
a. the introduction to basic automotive mathematics
2. An introduction to basic elements of the systems of the automobile
Intermediate Training
1. The continued learning of the science behind the automobile
2. The implemation of successful repairs on vehicle sub-systems that do not involve advance diagnostics
3. The student should begin to recognize the integration of science and experience
4. The student should begin to recognize the importance of continued learning to accomplish meaningful repairs
Advance Training and Integration of Knowledge & Skills
1. During this stage of training the student will begin to draw upon the knowledge and skills science and of the vehicle's sub-systems to begin to understand how the vehicle funtions as a whole.
2. The student will develop advanced diagnositcs through a continued commitment to critical thinking and technical knowledge combined with increased skills.
General Comments
The ultimate goal of the education at JGA is to create a technician capable of differential diagnositcs that is able to quickly and properly execute any repair on any SAAB.
The primary objective of this shop is to use the best tools and equipment to repair SAABs to exact factory specifications.
Additionally, during the training, the student will be exposed to materials regarding the importance of the workshop environment, the value of high quality tools, and learn how to navigate his/her environment to make successful high quality auto repairs.
The student should understand that automotive repair is a complex matrix of extensive knowledge and highly developed skills. Through daily learning and practice the student will consistently improve if the student possess both the ability and will to do so.
It should be noted that different people possess different levels of understanding and skills. If training is proceeding slowly due to inabilities to successfully learn and retain the required skills of automobile repair, it is advisable for the student to re-evaluate his/her objectives and goals. Both the student and teacher should understand the concept of escalating commitment in regards to training and take all steps necessary to avoid prolonged effort for minimal results. |