Mechanic Training an Inexact Science

By Julie Metea,
Special to School Transportation News

DETROIT - Automotive technician Kevin Keaton of Bloomville, Ohio has a knack for school bus maintenance and technology. While he enjoys working at Norwalk Truck Sales and Service, he believes his skills could be useful at one of Ohio's school district transportation departments.

His persistent studies, updated training and meticulous work on school buses helped him earn the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence's School Bus Technician of the Year. He had the highest score of all technicians in the U.S. and Canada who took the school bus certification exams in 2004.

"If it ain't safe, it ain't leaving until it's done right. How would you like your family or my family riding in it," said Keaton about the numerous trucks and buses that have come through his employer's repair shop.

With all of his skill and concern for school bus safety, Keaton says it's hard to find a job - or mechanical training in - neighboring school districts with budget constraints and shrinking staff positions. His dilemma represents a nationwide issue of constrained school bus technicians who get by with determination and creative solutions for training.

A Train Reaction

In New Lexington, Ohio - less than 150 miles south of Keaton's home town - Assistant School Transportation Supervisor John Bolyard wishes his one and a half mechanic staff could grow to keep the 25 bus fleet in good repair. Bolyard says his financially strained district is below Ohio's guideline of one mechanic for every 10 to 12 school buses.

"Our mechanics always have safety in mind, but it can get stressful when there's a shortage. Sometimes we have to drive the buses," said Bolyard.

However, Bolyard and fellow school transportation employees in Ohio have voluntarily formed the Ohio School Bus Mechanics Association (OSBMA). The 16-year old organization now supports 360 members who need training or forums to discuss school bus issues.

With the help of bus manufacturers and suppliers, the group organizes low cost training workshops for members. They've already met five times this year for sessions on fuel systems, steering and suspension, braking, charging issues and environmental concerns for maintenance shops. Their annual meeting is scheduled for October 4-5, but until then, they support each other and share industry issues through their website (www.osbma.org).

"We're a good group. We get calls from other states on how to organize and conduct training," said Bolyard, who also serves as OSBMA president.

The 55-year-old Arkansas School Bus Mechanics Association ( www.asbma.net ) also has been supporting members with workshops ranging from CPR to new high-tech systems. As in Ohio, instructors are voluntary and bus manufacturers often contribute.

"The buses are getting more complicated with computer diagnostics and wiring. The days are long gone when you can just come in and start working on them. I'd like to offer more technical training, but it's costly," said Mike Simmons, director of state's pupil transportation department.

Manufacturer Support

School bus manufacturers approach customer support and training as a competitive advantage, according to Michael Martin, executive director, National Association for Pupil Transportation.

International Truck and Engine, Freightliner and Blue Bird offer fleet service training programs to customers. For example, Blue Bird offers two types of training: in house (six to eight factory service sessions) and onsite training (40 to 45 road shows). They cover the majority of training complimentary with purchase of their products.

"We also have advanced training every year with new features, such as electronic controlled engines. There are variations of skill levels we have to address," said Rene Dykes, trainer, Blue Bird.

State transportation departments also view the manufacturer customer training programs as an advantage when accepting bids, according to Bill Schroyer, director of fleet management, Florida Department of Education.

"Our decision to purchase fleets can come down to the training perks," he said. Schroyer, a 31-year school transportation veteran, also turns to vehicle system suppliers (such as Bendix) for complimentary training programs.

"With tight school budgets, you have to come up with creative solutions for resources," he added.

A Certifiable Function

Certification also serves as another tool to assist school districts and bus mechanics. The Automotive Service Excellence organization was established in 1972 to improve vehicle repair and service through testing and certification. Approximately 6,000 technicians are currently certified in the ASE school bus category.

"We provide a skill benchmark, but we're an underutilized resource at both the district and state levels," said Trish Serratore, group vice president, ASE Industry Relations. "School bus mechanics are not as strongly supported as the automotive industry. We should do more together."

For a fee, the non-profit organization offers study guides, check lists and certification exams written by industry experts. A score report provides feedback on skills and knowledge, plus indicates where they need training to pass the test. Several school organizations require ASE certification. The NAPT also has taken an active role to support certification and build ASE into a robust organization.

However, training and certification can't instill the key element for a top-notch school bus mechanic, according to Simmons.

"A good mechanic is a person who really has the kids safety at heart. They do what it takes to get the training -- even use their own vacation to do it. They're not paid well; the perk is knowing they do a good job for the kids," said Simmons.