In light of its recent launch, PMM was invited to try the GS Yuasa Academy, one of the first dedicated online battery training system available to technicians, workshops, and distributors.
Modern day vehicles become increasingly advanced with each passing year. Demand for training, therefore, is growing, with more and more industry professionals wanting to increase their knowledge and develop their skills. However, many simply do not have the time to go out and attend physical training sessions. The GS Yuasa Academy offers a solution to this issue, allowing learners to complete courses in the comfort of their own office or home, at any time they feel is necessary. Featuring over 20 certified courses tailored to a number of industry job roles, Yuasa claims that the academy provides users with valuable knowledge and practical skills to further enhance business growth and battery potential.
To find out just how effective these are, PMM set out to try two of the beginner courses, ‘Basic Battery Operation’, and ‘Battery Health & Safety’. The website’s design was simple but effective, with every module clearly laying out the curriculum and key points for each lesson. What’s more reassuring is that the Yuasa website explains to users that the training is for learners of all experiences, including absolute novices.
How we got on
With that in mind, the first module, ‘Basic Battery Operation’, eases the user in by covering the absolute basics, clearly and concisely explaining what a battery actually is within a short video with just a minute long run time. The brevity of each lesson was both refreshing and helpful, allowing you to fully absorb the information in short chunks before moving to more advanced material. It would certainly suit the busy lifestyle of a technician, for example, by allowing you to complete modules at your own pace without having to clear your schedules. Furthermore, the content can be accessed on a range of devices, allowing you to complete modules on the go, or from the comfort of your own home.
After each section of the module, you are then asked to complete a three question quiz based on what you have just learnt. This was especially useful, as it’s vital to ensure that the foundational knowledge of a subject is solid so that more advanced aspects of the subject can be fully understood later. At the end of the module, a lengthier, 20 question quiz is provided as a larger overview. You are then able to look over the results, and understand where you went wrong should there be any incorrect answers.
With many course revision quizzes, questions are often based on phrases taken from a specific section of the video or passage, but this system forces you to apply the knowledge that you have already picked up. The academy, therefore, appears to be just as focussed on application as it is on knowledge, with the second lesson, ‘Battery Health & Safety’, being just as informative and stimulating.
Everyone learns differently; some are visual learners, whilst others find that they absorb more information audibly, or kinaesthetically (physically). The system that Yuasa employs for its training academy ensures that no learner is neglected.
Each video contains engaging animations and visuals, from diagrams to physical demonstrations of best practice. This was particularly useful in linking the scientific theory to practical application, and understanding the concept at this level will no doubt be useful when encountering any issues that can’t be solved with the help of a manual. Each video is narrated, sometimes by two instructors, which would aid auditory learners as well. Those who learn through reading and writing are also catered for; while the videos move very quickly, you are able to play the video as many times as you like, allowing you to take notes and wrap your head around the concepts in your own time. Kinaesthetic learners would also benefit from the physical demonstrations shown, as well as the animations.
Tackling the skills shortage
It’s no secret that the automotive industry is facing a skills shortage. Education is vital to solving the issue, as is providing incentives to enter the industry. In many ways, the academy does both of these things; whilst clearly educational, the brevity, conciseness, and quality of the modules may draw in prospective members of the industry who worry about training and time. Furthermore, the simplicity of the lessons helps to destigmatise intimidating subjects.
While PMM tried out the most basic modules, it’s worth noting that these courses aren’t just for novices. The academy also has advanced lessons for a more experienced demographic, which cover a number of aspects, including auxiliary batteries, and replacement battery configuration. Perhaps even more useful is the ‘New Product Knowledge’ module, which will keep users up to date with the latest technology; a must in an ever-evolving market.
