Dayco expands training programme

Recognising the need to invest in the next generation of technicians, Dayco is expanding its training programme to reach out to students still in technical college, with a series of events starting at Engineering Innovation Centre, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire on 26 April. It is also encouraging other colleges to make contact if they too would like to take advantage of this free educational opportunity.

As a leading original equipment (OE) component manufacturer, Dayco has been proactively undertaking technical training within the independent aftermarket for many years. Traditionally this has taken place through ‘workouts’ at its motor factor customers and at trade events, such as exhibitions and roadshows, but since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic last year, its face-to-face training has naturally taken a back seat.

“However, as the country takes the first tentative steps out of this third, and hopefully final, national lockdown, we are taking the opportunity of restarting our programme, by reaching out to the next generation,” explained Dayco’s National Technical Manager, Glen Goldstone.

“The objective is to provide valuable information to help students gain an appreciation of the technology and complexity of current power transmission systems, and encourage them to be open to the concept of learning, not only while in college, but during the whole of their working careers, because technical development never stops!

“The concept is not new to us, as we have already undertaken training with second and third-year students, pre-pandemic, at Tameside College in Greater Manchester, for example.  And although our training seminars, which cover auxiliary and timing system technology, problems, and replacement installation best practice, are aimed at professional technicians, the opportunity to impart this information to the next generation, is one we believe is really positive.”

The feedback from Tameside College was equally enthusiastic, as Motor Vehicle Tutor, Thomas Barrett expressed: “I would like to thank Dayco for coming and giving such a great seminar. It was most informative and enjoyable and we had great feedback from the students, which is a huge positive.

“The seminar gave the students some great insight, which I hope they will take with them wherever they go. It also showed them the importance of quality products and respecting changing intervals, as well as what other components may affect the belts etc. This has enhanced the knowledge of the learners when we teach them about auxiliary/timing belts and drive systems and when they are carrying out practical tasks working on engines on rigs in the workshop.”

Technical education at all levels of the industry is paramount to its ongoing success and, as this positive development demonstrates, Dayco is not only committed to OE quality products and practices, but to training as well.