Delmar Unveils Innovative New Automotive Technician Training Program in South Africa

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y., May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Delmar, part of Cengage Learning and a leading provider of learning solutions for ongoing career development and education, today announced a partnership with the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) in South Africa to create a ground-breaking new automotive technician training program. The blended learning courses will feature both online, offline and in-person aspects, to provide the best training possible for qualified technicians working in independent repair shops (workshops).

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MIWA, part of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI), has a membership of approximately 2,200 independent repair shops. The new training courses, launched in April, will be available to all qualified technicians affiliated with member workshops. The MIWA technician training program, focusing on 13 skill areas, features online pre- and post-training assessments, skill-based CD-ROM training courses, reference books, hands-on exercise manuals and an online portal for tracked scoring under exam conditions conducted at any of RMI's six regional offices.  

"We are excited to be working with MIWA to provide this great training opportunity for automotive technicians in South Africa," said Greg Clayton, vice president, Delmar. "Globally, as vehicle complexity increases and technology evolves, the demand for continuous professional technician training has become more important than ever. Delmar continues to stay committed to its customers by working to proactively partner with businesses and associations worldwide to develop core training programs, such as this program with MIWA, that will help technicians keep-up with this ever-changing industry."

"MIWA is totally committed to increasing the skill level of the current technician workforce in South Africa and it was therefore absolutely imperative that the right service provider be identified," said Les Mc Master, national chairman, MIWA. "Delmar impressed us with their level of expertise and course content.  Their professional approach and commitment to the program has allowed MIWA to customize the program to fit in with the South African scope of work in the specified trades. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Delmar."    

Enrolled technicians will have several options and course concentrations to select from within the program. Students can choose to complete all 13 courses, and achieve the title of MIWA Master Technician, or enroll in a smaller 'cluster' course concentrating on a specific subject area. A student successfully completing one of the five available clusters will graduate with a recognized title of MIWA Transmission Technician, MIWA Engine Performance Technician, MIWA Automotive Service & Diagnostic Technician, MIWA Brakes, Suspension & Driveline Technician or MIWA Auto Electrician. The 13 core topic areas covered in the training program include:

• Basic Automotive Service and Maintenance
• Automatic Transmissions
• Manual Transmissions
• Electricity & Electronics
• Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Brakes
• Engine Repair
• Engine Performance
• Suspension & Steering
• Fuels, Emissions & Exhaust
• Advanced Engine Performance
• Service Consultant
• Parts Specialist

For more information on these courses, or other products offered by Delmar, please visit www.trainingbay.cengage.com or www.cengage.com.

About Delmar and Cengage Learning

Cengage Learning is a leading provider of innovative teaching, learning and research solutions for the academic, professional and library markets worldwide. Delmar, part of Cengage Learning, is a leading provider of lifelong learning products and services for the health care, technology and trades, and career education markets. Delmar's market-leading imprints include Autodesk Press, Chilton and Milady. For more information please visit www.delmar.cengage.com or www.cengage.com.

About the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA)

MIWA represents workshops conducting general repairs, auto electricians, driveline and transmission specialists and vehicle accessory centres. A major focus of MIWA is to further educate the motoring public on how best to protect themselves against sub standard work. With more than 2200 members countrywide, we undertake to provide the motoring consumer with guaranteed service and nationwide support.

SOURCE Cengage Learning