#1, I have not done the EETC certifications. as a shop owner and service tech, I have yet to be convinced that the EETC certification is of any tangible value to me. Kohler is probably the only manufacturer that comes close to Stihl in its dedication to its dealers and the techs. I have completed all the educational requirements of Kohler and use these valuable lessons and skills daily in the course of my work. I, as a shop owner, and tech see no added value- read financial value- of the EETC certification. As a business owner in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Kohler is REQUIRED to pay my shop labor rate on warranty repairs. Adding the time commitment, loss of billable hours, and miscellaneous other burdens of attaining the EETC certifications for no (financial) return is not desirable. I would gain no tangible benefits for gaining EETC certification.
That said, I am not opposed to education that yields benefits for me or my customers. As YOU know, I have come to the table when a company, such as Stihl, offers a dealer certification program that makes me a better tech and more profitable too. Stihl's Bronze, Silver, and Gold schools for service technicians are, without doubt, the class of the industry in the benefits they yield. I get no additional dollars for being a Gold School graduate, no additional dollars for being a Stihl Elite dealer, and certainly lost income while I was attending Gold School. However, any loss of income was temporary, because Gold School taught me how to efficiently diagnose problems in a quick, concise, and efficient manner. Gold School was well worth the time investment many times over. I recommend Stihl's education program for every Stihl dealer- no matter how large or small. A manufacturer that goes the extra mile- and then some- deserves special recognition and loyalty from its dealers (and customers). The Sage of Gold (our instructor) told us how great it was to have students who wanted to learn the material- not students who were just required be there. Stihl chose very wisely in choosing an educator for this position, not simply an over-qualified service tech as many manufacturers do. Service techs can learn so much more from a professional educator.
All this said, I have yet to see what EETC certification can do for me and my dealership. I, by participation in many training programs, have shown my commitment to higher education and the rewards it yields. I may be missing something- what does EETC certification give me?? Is the lack of interest a shortcoming on my part?? or, is EETC doing an inadequate job of showing me the benefits of their certification process?? Stihl #1 has my utmost respect as a professional educator associated with a world class company. Am I missing some obvious benefit? Your program made me think about many things, and I am the wiser for it, do I need to reevaluate my position.
Your grateful student, Stihldoc.
