Genie launches new tech training plan

According to upcoming changes to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA), only a qualified person should inspect and maintain mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

To help meet demand for the next generation of aerial service technicians in the rental industry, Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) is offering free enrollment to the Genie Tech Pro Online Service Training program to community colleges and 500 aspiring aerial lift technicians in North America. Genie Tech Pro classes address the service, maintenance, repairs, diagnostics and troubleshooting of boom lifts, scissor lifts and telehandlers.

“The need for properly trained service technicians to work on, repair and maintain aerial rental equipment continues to increase as the market demand for this type of equipment grows,” said Bob Bartley, Genie senior director of product support and reconditioning, Terex AWP. “A trained technician not only knows how to read the equipment schematics and how to do the repair correctly but also knows how to get the repair done in the least amount of time, with a minimal amount of parts expense. This results in less downtime for the machine and a higher return on investment for the company. Service technicians trained to work on aerial lift equipment are in high demand and can find meaningful employment opportunities in the aerial and rental industries.”

This initiative is part of the Genie brand’s 50th anniversary activities aimed at “Building the Future” by increasing skilled service technicians in the rental service profession. The program teaches basic aerial lift equipment technologies, including electrical systems, hydraulics, machine inspections and control systems to new service technicians. It also offers courses specific to working on booms, scissors and telehandlers for intermediate and advanced experience levels. Participants who successfully complete the program will have the ability to calibrate, adjust and troubleshoot with the aid of tools such as schematics, service manuals, laptop or table and connection software.

“The long-term benefit of training service technicians is that these participants are gaining the knowledge they need to be able to work on aerial lift equipment fleets early in their professional careers,” Bartley said. “From a prospective manager's or employer’s perspective, this has a real impact on the rental company’s bottom line — because machines that are properly maintained and in good working order are machines that are making money for the business. This means that trained service technicians will realize an increase of job opportunities in the aerial and rental industries from successfully completing technical training courses, including the Genie Tech Pro program.”