Q: How many years have you been in the industry?
A: 12
Q: How many years have you been MECP certified?
A: Just recently certified.
Q: How long did it take you to become a MECP Master Installation Technician?
A: Pass the exam required all 12 years of my experience in the industry.
Q: How has becoming an MECP Master Installation Technician impacted your career?
A: First and foremost, my Master Installation Technician Certification represents a personal sense of accomplishment. Second, my certification serves as proof to customers that their vehicles are in good hands.
Q: What do you feel are the big challenges facing the industry?
A: Changing the perception consumers have of what installation technicians do and weeding out those other installers that give the industry a bad name.
Q: What do you feel are the big challenges installation technicians face while working in the install bay?
A: Staying current on their training and having up to date information on the latest technologies.
Q: What are your comments about other installers who feel like the certification does not apply to them?
A: They are hurting the perception of our industry. While I do not believe the Master certification is for every installation technician, I do believe that each should strive for the Advanced Certification.
Q: In what areas of your current position do you feel like you excel? What are your strengths or skill-sets?
A: My strengths are in wiring and troubleshooting. It's not as glamorous as fabrication, but it is the foundation for every install job.
Q: As a Master Installation Technician, have you benefited financially in regard to salary, incentives or growth at your current employer?
A: Not yet, but that's right around the corner. I have been able convince customers of the value of certification. As a result, they have rewarded me with their business.
Q: As a result of your certification, do you feel you have job security or better job prospects?
A: Definitely.
Q: Do you actively promote your Master Installation Technician Certification to your customers or retail audience? If so, how do your customers perceive you and your certification?
A: It depends on the install job. When the customer finds out that I’m certified, they don't question what I recommend. Unofficially, I find myself becoming tech support for customers and other installers.
Q: What is your favorite tool and why?
A: I have so many! Everybody's going to say “meter” because that tool is a must. But, a good multi-meter has to have good test leads. They make your job easier.
Q: What is the most challenging car that you’ve worked on and why? (Include year, make, model and why was it difficult?)
A: Most of the new cars are equally challenging because they all have databus. It's the car that there is no information on that is the most time consuming. I approach all cars with the same game plan. That way you are never overwhelmed.
Q: What do you think of our terminology change from “Installer” to “Installation Technician”?
A: That goes back to helping change customers perception. That's what we are – Installation Technicians.
|
