ATRA Board of Directors Approves Distance Education Project

The November 1998 "TRANSMISSIONS '98 Show Floor Issue" of GEARS announced the implementation of the first phase of the development of a nationwide training network for powertrain technicians. Research and planning continued through 1999 and the ATRA board of directors was periodically updated and consulted as the project progressed.

At the most recent ATRA board of directors meeting held at the Powertrain Industry Expo--TRANSMISSIONS '99 in Florida, significant steps were approved to make a nationwide training network a reality. The ATRA board of directors approved a proposal from ATRA staff to begin the actual creation of a distance learning network for powertrain technicians. Goals for early 2000 include the formation of a separate association; the Institute for Powertrain Technology and Leadership (IPTL) devoted exclusively to resolving the critical shortage of quality trained technicians for our industry. I would like to share with you the mission and vision statements for this association along with some of the guiding values that will help lead this new association into the next century.

Mission ­ The Institute for Powertrain Technology and Leadership accepts the challenge to lead, recruit, test and train technicians through innovative educational programs.

Vision ­ IPTL will become the leader in providing information and education in the automotive powertrain service industry.

Some of the guiding values of the institute ­ The institute is proud of, and believes in, the technicians entrepreneurs and business owners who are the automotive powertrain service industry.

We are positive about the future of, and the opportunities available in, the automotive powertrain service industry.

The staff, board and volunteers will be proactive leaders dedicated to the training, education and certification of and for the automotive powertrain service industry.

The institute believes that all people have the capacity and the responsibility to take charge of their lives and their career choices.

Important goals for the year 2000 include ­ the development of minimum standard of knowledge and skills for employment in the powertrain industry. And, the creation of a public relations program to educate employers, employees, potential employees and the general public concerning the need, value, and benefits of meeting and maintaining minimum standards for employment in the industry. The public relation campaign would also provide members of the industry the information and tools needed to allow them to promote the benefits of employment in the powertrain industry.

Hundreds of members of our industry have already expressed interest in being part of the solution to the training problems facing the powertrain industry today. If you would like more information about how you or your firm can be involved, or would like to receive current updates on the project, please contact me at the new location of ATRA and GEARS: 2400 Latigo Ave., Oxnard, CA 93030, my direct phone line is 805-604-2026, or email cheryl@atra-gears.com.